GVSU Economist Says Economy Will Slow Down Rest Of 2025

(Grand Rapids, MI) — Grand Valley State University economics professor and associate dean of the Seidman College of Business Paul Isely says the west Michigan economy will slow down for the rest of 2025. Isely says navigating tariffs is one of the biggest challenges for businesses right now and many companies pulled their imports forward before those went into effect.

He says inflation and a higher cost of living are also impacting private spending. Isely says the economy is doing relatively well right now, but the automotive sector is more vulnerable to tariffs.

GVSU’s Paul Isely says the international trade war and tariff uncertainty is slowing down the west Michigan economy with companies seeking answers.