The U.S. economy is showing signs of weakness as cardboard and trucking volumes have dropped to levels not seen since 2015 and 2019, respectively. This decline raises concerns about the overall health of the economy amid ongoing inflation and shifting consumer behavior.
According to data from freight analytics firm FreightWaves, shipments of cardboard and package materials, essential for e-commerce and retail, have plummeted significantly. The current levels reflect a stark contrast to the heightened demand observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in online shopping and packaging needs.
Trucking volumes, another critical indicator of economic activity, have also decreased, reverting to pre-pandemic levels. This trend suggests a slowdown in goods movement, which could signal a broader economic downturn. As previously reported, experts have warned that the U.S. economy faces a potential recession, with key states remaining stable amidst this uncertainty.
The implications of these trends could be far-reaching. If consumer spending continues to wane, businesses may face declining sales, potentially leading to layoffs and further economic contraction. Analysts will be closely monitoring these developments, as they could influence future economic policy and consumer confidence.
