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Economic Pulse: Week of 5/16/25

Retail Sales picked up just before tariffs

Ahead of upcoming tariffs, retail sales jumped 5.2% year-over-year in March—double 2024’s 2.6% growth rate. This surge likely reflects consumers accelerating purchases, especially of durable goods, to avoid expected price hikes once the tariffs are fully implemented.

Click here for the latest Lehigh Valley Economic Review.

Listen to Economic Pulse Fridays at 5:44 PM during All Things Considered; Mondays at 7:30 AM during Morning Edition.

(Original air-date: 5/16/25)

Dr. Kamran Afshar is the host of the weekly WDIY feature Economic Pulse, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lehigh Valley Community Broadcasters Association as a Vice President.
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  • Payroll employment in the Valley is trending up. Dr. Kamran Afshar takes a look at this and more in his synopsis of this week's economic news and trends across the Lehigh Valley and nation.