price hikes

With the CPI at 4.2% in May, some economists think inflation is near its peak. But structural pressures could keep prices elevated longer.

They aren’t just worried about upsetting their customers. Many face a number of other obstacles to raising prices, even as their costs have increased this year.

Businesses are having to figure out whether to absorb the cost of import taxes, pass them along, or a mixture of both approaches — all up and down supply chains.

The home improvement retailer is in a better position than some to hold the line.

Some goods, like produce from Mexico and home appliances from China, could get more expensive soon.

Shipping companies need to cover their higher costs, but there’s a limit to how much they can pass on to customers.

Some workers are seeing wage increases above the rate of inflation. But, overall, rising prices are outpacing rising wages.

Raw material and shipping expenses have shot up. But price hikes aren’t the only way business owners can cover their costs.

Some are cutting hours and reducing inventory. Others are purchasing more to get better deals from suppliers.

Rising input costs do not seem to be hurting every business’ bottom line.