Some manufacturers feeling trade war pinch: Survey

Some US manufacturers are delaying investments and raising prices as President Donald Trump escalates trade wars with key US economic partners but most companies report no change, according to a survey released today.

The National Association for Business Economics also found in its monthly report that members unanimously expected economic growth to continue in the next year, with most forecasting inflation adjusted growth of more than two per cent.

"Labour market conditions are tight with skilled labour shortages driving firms to raise pay, increase training and consider additional automation," Sara Rutledge, chair of the quarterly survey, said in a statement.

Companies reported rising profits and higher sales expectations. But despite the scarcity of workers, a survey index of wage growth slowed after hitting a record in April.

The survey, which polled 98 economists at private companies and trade associations, also found signs of rising prices, a possible sign that inflation and Trump's new import duties were filtering into the economy.

An index of prices charged hit a 12-year record, jumping 14 points, while a measure of materials costs hit a seven-year record, soaring 15 points.

Trump this week began the process to impose tariffs on up to USD 200 billion in additional imports from China, adding to the levies imposed on USD 34 billion in goods which took effect earlier this month.

Economists say this could boost inflation, which already is beginning to rise after a decade of economic recovery, albeit gradually. Still, a majority in the NABE survey, 65 per cent, said trade concerns were not causing their companies to change plans for investment, hiring or pricing.

Things were chillier in the goods producing sector, however, with only 37 per cent reporting no change.

Among manufacturers, 26 per cent said they were delaying planned investments and 16 per cent reported having to raise prices. And, as the same survey had found April, most respondents, or 65 per cent, said they were not changing plans to hire or invest because of December's sweeping corporate tax cuts.