NC State Economist

Feb 28, 2023

NC State Economist: 2023 Economic Outlook: Soft or Hard Landing?

2023 will be a year of economic challenge, but also an opportunity for policy success.

Feb 7, 2023

NC State Economist: The Christmas Tree Industry in North Carolina: Characteristics and Challenges Ahead

Due to their widespread popularity, natural Christmas tree production is an important industry that makes sizable contributions to the rural economies in which trees are grown in the United States.

Dec 1, 2022

NC State Economist: The Economics of the Emerging PFAS Problem

Iain Burnett and Assistant Professor Eric Edwards discuss the societal benefits and costs of PFAS, and consider the future of their use and mitigation.

Apr 26, 2021

The Contribution of Wild-Caught Seafood to NC’s Economy

New research has found that North Carolina's wild-caught commercial seafood industry provides 5,500 jobs and nearly $300 million to the state's gross domestic product.

Jan 19, 2021

Specialty Crops in 2020: COVID-19 and Other Challenges

Daniel Tregeagle highlights the impact of COVID-19 on specialty crops and shares results from a recent survey of caneberry growers.

Oct 31, 2020

NC State Economist: New Study Explores Climate Change Impacts on North Carolina Coastal Angling

Recreational fishing is an important source of income and jobs in North Carolina. Read how could the industry be impacted by changing weather patterns.

Feb 5, 2019

2019 Economic Outlook: The Late Innings of Growth?

With decade-low unemployment and accelerating labor productivity – but also a trade war with China and a sputtering stock market – where will our focus lie when we look back on 2018? In this NC State Economist, Mike Walden unpacks the top economic issues and opportunities of 2018, with a look ahead to 2019.

Feb 5, 2019

Should I Stay or Should I Go: Coal Ash in North Carolina

Coal has seen a recent, rapid decline as a source of electricity in North Carolina. Unfortunately, coal’s legacy lives on in ash ponds and landfills scattered across the state. In this NC State Economist, we offer an economist’s perspective on North Carolina’s coal ash challenges – and potential solutions.

Oct 3, 2018

Impacts of the USDA Broadband Loan and Grant Programs: Estimating Rate of Return

How much does publicly-funded infrastructure stimulate local economic performance? This broader debate comes into focus via research that estimates the relative benefits and costs of federal efforts to promote broadband in rural areas.

Jun 4, 2018

Corn Basis Determines Impact of Out-of-state Corn on Animal Ag Profits

With a deficit of feed grain to nourish North Carolina’s “tails and feathers” production – hogs, broiler chickens and turkeys – the profitability of our state’s livestock industry hinges on adequate, reliable and low-cost out-of-state sources for corn.