Analysis of January 2025 Producer Price Index (PPI) by Geography and Industry for Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Women-Owned Businesses The January 2025 Producer Price Index (PPI) shows a 0.4% increase in final demand , following a 0.5% rise in December 2024. The 12-month increase reached 3.5% , reinforcing continued inflationary pressures on businesses. This analysis examines the implications of this data across industries and geographic regions for Black, Asian, Hispanic, and women-owned businesses . 1. Industry-Specific Impacts Retail and Wholesale Trade Final demand trade services increased by 0.1% in January . Margins for food and alcohol retailing and apparel retailing rose, affecting minority businesses in these industries. Apparel, jewelry, and accessories retailing saw price increases , which could disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic business owners who are overrepresented in this sector. Implications: Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs in retail may need to adjust pric...
The Impact of Martial Law and the Jeju Air Tragedy on the South Korean Economy. Jeongmin Yoon, Incheon National University.
In December 2024, South Korea faced an unprecedented dual crisis: political instability triggered by President Yoon Suk-yeol’s imposition of martial law, and the tragic crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane. These events together precipitated significant disruptions across key economic indicators, notably exchange rates and the stock market. This study examines the economic fallout from these crises and proposes policy recommendations to facilitate recovery and strengthen economic resilience. The declaration of martial law severely undermined the stability essential for economic functionality. The announcement prompted a sharp depreciation of the Korean won, as foreign investors reassessed the country's political risk, leading to substantial capital outflows. This depreciation weakened the won against the U.S. dollar, creating a mixed economic impact. While a weaker currency offered temporary advantages for export-oriented industries, Korea’s heavy dependence on imported raw ma...