US hiring beats expectations in June despite tariff woes
Job growth came in at 147,000 last month, rising from 144,000 in May, while unemployment ticked down from 4.2 per cent to 4.1 per cent
The US economy added more jobs than expected in June while the jobless rate edged down, government data showed on Thursday, a reassuring sign amid worries that the labour market might weaken rapidly as tariffs weigh on businesses.
Job growth came in at 147,000 last month, rising from 144,000 in May – which was also revised higher – said the Department of Labor.
The unemployment rate ticked down from 4.2 per cent to 4.1 per cent, and pay gains were 0.2 per cent, the report added.
The world’s biggest economy has fared relatively well since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a resilient jobs market allowing consumers to keep spending.
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But President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on US trading partners, including steep rates on imports of steel, aluminium and autos, have dragged on consumer sentiment and fuelled business uncertainty.