Prices at the producer level increased by 0.4% in November and 3% from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department's producer price index. The month-to-month jump was the most significant since June, and the annual rise was the largest since February 2023, with both exceeding analysts' expectations. Core producer prices, which exclude food and energy, increased by 0.2% last month.

Importers in the US are bracing for disruptions as a temporary agreement between East Coast dockworkers and port operators approaches its Jan. 15 expiration, while President-elect Donald Trump floats tariff hikes for major trading partners. Import volumes have surged, straining the supply chain, but expanded warehouse capacity since the pandemic has eased some pressure, even as Western railroads face tight conditions.

Supply chain reorganization often fails to meet business goals due to common pitfalls, according to Gartner. Successful projects tailor their structures to meet distinct organizational needs, ensuring that responsibilities are assigned in diverse ways to optimize performance. Successful leaders prioritize balance, strength and speed in their design process, avoiding mistakes like an "either/or" approach or a focus on headcount reduction.

Initial jobless claims climbed to 242,000 in the week through Dec. 7, rising from the prior period and surpassing the estimate of 220,000 applications in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Applications were at a two-month high.

B2B sales have largely shifted toward digital platforms and 70% to 80% of decision-makers now prefer digital interactions over traditional methods, which means organizations need to transform their websites into dynamic sales tools that can engage and convert prospects around the clock, writes Bob DeStefano, president of SVM E-Marketing Solutions. Key strategies include customer-focused design, compelling content and advanced technology such as AI and CRM integration.

Data quality is crucial for AI to function effectively in B2B procurement. Without clean, accurate data, AI systems cannot perform optimally, leading to poor decision-making and missed opportunities. High-quality data enhances AI's ability to provide accurate insights, streamline operations and improve supplier relationships, ultimately benefiting the company's bottom line.

CRM implementation often fails when businesses treat it solely as a technology project without considering the complexities involved, writes Brian Gardner, the founder of SalesProcess360. Common challenges include neglecting process and culture changes, attempting too much at once, and failing to recognize that implementation is ongoing. To overcome these, businesses should conduct a detailed audit of sales processes, assign a dedicated project leader, and ensure the CRM is well-configured to fit the organization's needs.

Sales planning should be occurring at all times rather than just being reserved for a yearly or quarterly basis, according to Colleen Francis. One of the secrets to sales success is to balance long-term planning with daily activities that help sales teams meet their goals, Francis writes.

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in December, despite a slight increase in inflation in November. However, persistent price pressures may lead the Fed to be more cautious about rate cuts in 2025, with some analysts predicting fewer reductions than previously anticipated.

A significant number of workers are declining promotions, citing job satisfaction, feeling overworked or misalignment with career goals, according to a Randstad survey. Promotions have become rarer, with only 1.3% of white-collar workers promoted in early 2024, the lowest in five years, according to ADP data.

Join us in Washington, D.C., January 27-29 for NAW's Executive Summit, bringing together the best and brightest leaders from the wholesale distribution industry. Learn more here.

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