INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Forecasting the Inland Empire’s economic outlook may become more problematical in the coming months. Headline issues include uncertainties stemming from the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions, ongoing price increases, and labor shortages.

But, the Inland Empire is hanging tough. Although the Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) has dropped sharply, the Institute of Applied Research (IAR) at Cal State San Bernardino reported Monday (May 2nd) that the overall economy is still in growth mode.

Local purchasing managers surveyed by the IAR voice concerns about lockdowns in China stemming from one of the worst COVID outbreaks since Wuhan in late 2019 snarling supply lines.

“We foresee that this may lead to several bad months for the US in general and the Inland Empire in particular until the congestion of ships as well as trucks used in import/export activities finally clears,” IAR Director Barbara Sirotnik said.

Story Date: May 17, 2022