First Came Beard-Loving Millennials. Now Razor Makers Face a Close Shave with Steel Tariffs
Well-known razor makers like Boston-based Gillette already face strong headwinds from changing consumer habits: fewer men are shaving as regularly now that beards are more in fashion. Online subscription services like Dollar Shave Club or Harry’s are also putting pressure on prices and profit margins. Now, razor makers are dealing with the problem of tariffs on the specialized steel they import.
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The X Factor That Helps Cities Rebound
A community’s store of “social capital” can determine how well it rebounds from adversity.
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Trump Upped the Ante in High Stakes Game of Tariff Poker
The biggest chunk of tariffs in the Great Tariff War of 2018 is between the United States and China, beginning with two rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs worth around $50 billion against one another. The United States just raised on the ante by another $200 billion. China will not fold; they will go “all in” in this poker game, but we don’t know what that means yet as they hold their cards close.
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Despite Trade Tensions Fireworks Exports from China are Booming
Whether you bought a multipack of screamers, bottle rockets, and roman candles from a roadside stand, or plan to watch a professionally-designed community display this Fourth of July, chances are the fireworks themselves were produced in China.
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Chutes and Ladders: Four Strategies to Help ‘Displaced’ Workers
Every year, between 2 to 4 percent of workers in industrial economies are “displaced” from their jobs. Those most likely to lose their jobs – the very young, the very old, and the less educated - are also the workers least equipped to manage economic upheaval successfully. Even in resilient and growing economies, these workers often need a hand to get back on their feet.
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Dr. Seuss Helps Us Thrive in the Knowledge Economy
By focusing on better preparing youth for employment in the knowledge economy, we can address long-term labor market shortfalls, improve lifetime earning potential, and contribute significantly to national productivity and global competitiveness. Where does it all begin? With teaching our kids to read well.
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Driving Demand
One result of the widespread acceptance of e-commerce and home delivery is a growing and urgent demand for drivers – at least for now.
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We are in a Trade War — With Ourselves
The few domestic companies that may (or may not) benefit from special treatment shouldn’t outweigh the costs for the rest of the economy.
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Steel Industry Illustrates Nuances of Modern Trade
When it comes to steel tariffs, we could be in a trade war -- with ourselves.
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Etsy’s Growth Illustrates That Even Local is Global
Etsy, the online marketplace for handmade, vintage, or other unique items, is one of many popular Internet platforms where individual creators can sell their works. Nearly 15 million Americans earned a collective $6 billion using just nine of these platforms. Millions more did the same worldwide. And now many of these creators are also global traders.
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