Epcon Industrial Systems

National economic growth seems to be holding up reasonably well in the United States, though not as much in the rest of the world. The labor market, however, tells a different story. We are effectively in a job recession—hiring has slowed sharply and is nearing the point of net job losses over recent months. What’s driving this slowdown remains an important question for economists and industry leaders alike. Despite the broader labor challenges, skilled labor remains in high demand. Qualified engineers, software developers, chemical engineers, welders, electricians—skilled trades in general—continue to be in short supply, with multiple openings across the industry. Sustained growth still depends heavily on access to this talent. Looking ahead, the overall U.S. economic outlook for the remainder of the year appears steady, barring any major geopolitical disruptions. However, tariffs remain a significant challenge. Unless trade policies shift or new, better-negotiated agreements are reac...