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3w ago

U.S. Labor Market Adds 177,000 Jobs in April, Defying Tariff Concerns

Despite a contracting economy and federal job cuts, unemployment remains steady at 4.2% as economists warn of potential challenges ahead.

President Trump is yet to secure a deal following his tariff announcement
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A cargo ship and containers are seen at an industrial port in Tokyo, Japan, February 15, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
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Overview

  • The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, surpassing forecasts of 130,000, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%.
  • Healthcare, transportation, and warehousing sectors saw significant job gains, while manufacturing employment declined by 1,000 jobs.
  • Federal government employment fell by 9,000 jobs in April, contributing to a total loss of 26,000 federal positions since January under cost-cutting measures by the Department of Government Efficiency.
  • Average hourly wages grew by 0.2% in April, maintaining an annual growth rate of 3.8%, though economists caution inflationary pressures may rise.
  • Economists anticipate that the delayed effects of sweeping tariffs and federal workforce reductions could slow job growth and consumer spending in the latter half of 2025.