Local Manufacturers Express Pessimism in Monthly GVSU Survey

KALAMAZOO, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 10, 2025) – Although President Trump will pause some US tariffs for 90 days, the effect on businesses won’t be felt for a while.

Uncertainty has increased and confidence has declined among local manufacturers, according to Dr. Brian Long, Director of Supply Management Research for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. His monthly survey of purchasing managers in the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo markets was disclosed on Monday, although he admitted that the canvassing was done before the Trump Tariffs were enacted last week.

Long added that his respondents’ short-term business outlook over the next three to six months posted its biggest drop since the COVID 19 outbreak of five years ago. A link to his Purchasing Managers’ Index Survey is here.