Washington, March 8 – U.S. job growth accelerated in February, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 151,000, following a revised gain of 125,000 in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.1%, reflecting uncertainties in trade policies and government spending cuts.

Economists had forecasted a stronger job addition of 160,000, but concerns over trade disruptions and federal budget constraints could dampen future labor market resilience. President Donald Trump's recent tariff policies, including a 25% import tax on goods from Mexico and Canada—later temporarily exempted—have contributed to economic volatility.

Government employment remained under pressure, with hiring freezes and layoffs impacting the sector. The labor market's stability has so far supported economic expansion, but slowing consumer spending and homebuilding, alongside a rising trade deficit, have led analysts to revise GDP growth projections downward.

With economic uncertainty persisting, the Federal Reserve is likely to maintain its current interest rate policy while monitoring the impact of trade tensions and fiscal constraints on overall growth.