August Deadlines & the Cost of Uncertainty

ASA Chief Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl is back with a timely and insightful episode of Keeping it Real with Dr. Kuehl. In Season 5, Episode 21 (8:48), Dr. Kuehl unpacks several pressing economic developments and their implications for ASA members.
 

In this episode, Dr. Kuehl takes a close look at the new U.S.-Japan trade agreement, weighing whether it's a fair deal and what it means for American businesses. He also breaks down why August 1st is a critical date on the tariff timeline and what could happen next on that front.
 

Beyond trade, Dr. Kuehl discusses the ongoing uncertainty that has plagued business for the past decade — much of it going beyond just tariffs. He highlights the staggering cost of this unpredictability and explores whether ASA members are particularly vulnerable. The episode also touches on the construction and commodities sectors, where delays and volatility continue to affect operations and planning.
 

With clarity and context, Dr. Kuehl helps listeners understand what needs to happen for greater business stability — and what ASA members should keep a close eye on in the coming months.
 

Have a question for Dr. Kuehl? Send your questions or suggested topics to Bri Baresel at bbaresel@asa.net for consideration in future episodes.
 

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