Scott Paul

Years ago, I think it was the Chicago Sun-Times said we had the business sophistication of a lemonade stand.

You know, we're just trying to be nice to our customers and as respectful of them as we can.

In the next few weeks, you will start to see the jet fuel shortages in quite a few places.

Because California imports quite a good chunk of its fuels from outside, specifically from Asia.

Last year wasn't exactly a stable one for the manufacturing sector, thanks to tariffs, high interest rates, and a shaky global economy.

Last year wasn't exactly a stable one for the manufacturing sector, thanks to tariffs, high interest rates, and a shaky global economy.

But this year, manufacturers have a few things working for them, says Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.

But this year, manufacturers have a few things working for them, says Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.

Paul says lower interest rates might spur more demand for appliances, vehicles, and other manufactured goods.

Paul says lower interest rates might spur more demand for appliances, vehicles, and other manufactured goods.

Plus, the big wave of AI investment will push up demand for the equipment that goes into data centers.

Plus, the big wave of AI investment will push up demand for the equipment that goes into data centers.

Manufacturers surveyed by the Institute for Supply Management last month said new orders picked up for the first time since August.

Manufacturers surveyed by the Institute for Supply Management last month said new orders picked up for the first time since August.

But the same report found that employment shrank at the same time.

But the same report found that employment shrank at the same time.

Susan Spence is chair of ISM's Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

Susan Spence is chair of ISM's Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

She says the big factor causing manufacturers to hold off is tariff uncertainty.

She says the big factor causing manufacturers to hold off is tariff uncertainty.