U.S. Unemployment Claims Rise Amid Economic Challenges

According to Odaily, the number of initial unemployment claims in the United States has increased for the second consecutive week, indicating a weakening labor market amid escalating economic headwinds from tariffs. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, companies generally hoarded workers due to labor shortages. However, the growing uncertainty caused by tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has forced some businesses to lay off employees. Economists anticipate that initial unemployment claims will exceed the range of 205,000 to 243,000 in 2025, primarily due to difficulties in adjusting data for seasonal fluctuations, a trend observed in recent years. The rise in continuing unemployment claims aligns with a decline in consumer confidence in the job market.