Federal Reserve Bank of Boston president Susan Collins hears Manchester, New Hampshire businesses flag trade and tariff uncertainty

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston published an account of President and CEO Susan M. Collins’ visit to Manchester, New Hampshire, where she met with manufacturers and small businesses to gather on-the-ground perspectives on economic conditions. Across multiple discussions, business leaders highlighted uncertainty, particularly around evolving US trade and tariff policies, as a factor weighing on decisions. Collins toured Velcro Companies’ research and manufacturing operations and discussed product innovation and customization. She also participated in three roundtables, where Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire president Mike Skelton said tariff-related uncertainty is affecting the “psyche” of the business community and leading some firms, including those not directly affected, to pull back on projects and hiring; the visit also included meetings with downtown retailers and startups such as vintage clothing store Fishtoes and Critical Mass Coffee’s first retail location at The Bookery.