Beige Book shows mixed economic trends, manufacturing challenges, tariff concerns

General economic activity across the US experienced slight to moderate growth at the end of 2024, while activity in manufacturing showed a slight decline, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report issued this month.

Industrial performance varied across regions in late November and December, with notable challenges in demand and managing costs. Many districts observed limited growth or a slight contraction in industrial activity since the last report.

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held various editorial positions with steel industry publications, associations, and mills since 2007. She joined the SMU team in 2022. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.