NH Economy

Newly imposed 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will ripple through the local economy, creating winners and losers.

The newly imposed import tariffs threaten a major economic link for New Hampshire and the rest of the region, with consumers bracing for higher prices.

The affordability crunch was highlighted during Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s inaugural speech on Thursday, and was backed up by new year-end figures from New Hampshire Realtors.

Wages are growing, but the tight housing market continues to hold back the state’s overall workforce needs.

The trade mission will leave for Brazil in September with business owners and investors interested in buying and selling their goods.

“This is by far the most housing-related pieces of legislation that we’ve seen filed in a single session before,” said Nick Taylor, executive director of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast.

Some say this may be to blame for worsening labor shortages in areas. Federal estimates put the average cost of infant care at a daycare to be more than $14,000 a year in some New Hampshire counties.

A resilient labor economy is pushing the state’s jobless rate below 2%.

Summer is the state’s biggest tourism season. State officials are trying to balance certain destinations’ popularity with sustainability.

The University of New Hampshire Survey Center team said negative consumer perception is likely being spurred by soaring energy costs and rising inflation.