Supply chain backlogs, labor market tightness, elevated input costs continue to pose challenges: U.S. Fed survey

WASHINGTON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. economic activity expanded at a moderate pace since mid-February amid elevated inflation, tight labor market and continued supply chain bottlenecks, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday.

"Demand for workers continued to be strong across most Districts and industry sectors. But hiring was held back by the overall lack of available workers," the Fed said in its latest survey on economic conditions, known as the Beige Book, based on information collected from its 12 regional reserve banks.