GROWTH AT A HIGHER COST
Through the first seven months of 2026, the industrial economy has continued to outperform expectations despite operating under an increasingly complex set of conditions. Manufacturing remains in expansion, trade volumes continue to hold near historically strong levels, and pricing pressures across several raw material markets are beginning to moderate. Yet the environment is no less challenging. Freight costs are rising again, geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global logistics, and another round of tariff decisions threatens to redefine international trade flows. The industrial economy has shown an impressive ability to adapt throughout 2026, but that resilience is becoming progressively more expensive. Businesses are proving they can adapt and manage through disruption. The greater challenge now is absorbing steadily rising costs while maintaining the momentum built over the first half of the year.
Learn more about these key issues in the full report linked below.
