Mars Finance News, on April 1st, the US March ISM Manufacturing Activity experienced its first contraction this year, with prices rising sharply for the second consecutive month, as the drumbeat of increased tariffs resonates throughout the economy. The survey indicates that manufacturers' sentiment has been impacted by the Trump administration's unbalanced tariff measures. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the implementation details of additional tariffs, some businesses have paused their investment plans. Meanwhile, enterprises are rushing to import before interest rate hikes, driving the ISM factory inventory index to 53.4, its highest level since October 2022, which helped support the overall indicator. Efforts to source goods and materials from abroad have also pushed up material prices. As consumer demand cools this year, producers may find it difficult to pass on rising costs to consumers. (Jinshi)