Rising costs for materials, labor and transportation continue to challenge companies and threaten to keep prices elevated for consumers.
Manufacturers report that input costs remain well above pre-pandemic levels, even as some supply-chain pressures have eased.
Higher wages and persistent labor shortages are adding to production expenses, forcing companies to reconsider hiring, investment and pricing plans.
Many businesses are passing at least part of those costs to customers, raising concerns that inflation could remain stubborn across the broader economy.
Smaller manufacturers face particular pressure because they often have less negotiating power with suppliers and fewer resources to absorb higher expenses.
Industry leaders say interest rates, energy costs and uncertain demand are complicating efforts to plan for the months ahead.
The warnings come as policymakers and consumers look for clearer evidence that inflation is cooling. While some prices have stabilized, manufacturers say the underlying cost burden remains substantial—and that further price increases may still be necessary.