US companies that once saw China as a money-spinning opportunity are now more cautious as the country's economic growth slows and business conditions worsen. Many businesses have scaled back their operations or sought investment opportunities elsewhere, reflecting a significant shift in the relationship between China and US corporate interests.

US Foods is leveraging customer feedback to boost its MOXē ecommerce platform, integrating digital tools that allow chefs and kitchen operators to manage food costs, track deliveries and receive menu recommendations. Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Gene Carbonara highlights the use of AI and customer insights to drive innovation, which has resulted in 84% of customers using the platform.

Private equity firms, with over $500 billion in uninvested capital from funds closed in 2020 and 2021, face mounting pressure to deploy those resources in 2025. Elevated interest rates have slowed deal activity, and while some managers may seek more time, investors are cautious about approving such requests, weighing the benefits of disciplined investment against the opportunity cost of idle capital.

Supply chain disruptions remain a major concern for procurement teams in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions, climate risks and labor unrest. A Blue Yonder survey found that 84% of companies experienced disruptions last year, with 46% reporting reduced profits due to rising costs. Companies are increasingly turning to technology, nearshoring and partnerships with logistics providers to enhance resilience and manage risks.

US Customs and Border Protection is enhancing efforts to enforce trade laws at ports such as the Port of Savannah in Georgia, where officers screen millions of containers for prohibited goods. The agency has upgraded its labs to include advanced isotopic testing to identify the origin of materials, particularly cotton from China's Xinjiang region, to comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Social media engagement is crucial for B2B companies in 2025, say PR experts Amy Delman and Chris Rosica. Delman emphasizes the importance of a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to attract young talent and stay competitive, while Rosica highlights the benefits of social media for online reputation management and visibility, advising companies to focus on authentic engagement and video content.

As Republicans prepare to extend President-elect Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts, Congress faces deep divisions over how to offset costs and manage deficit concerns. Lawmakers must navigate fierce lobbying, potential budget gimmicks, and disputes over winners and losers, with options ranging from higher tariffs to rescinding green energy credits. The process promises prolonged debate, with surprises and last-minute changes likely to shape the outcome.

The US job market is weakening as long-term unemployment rises, particularly among white-collar workers in sectors like tech, law, and media, while industries such as healthcare, government, and manufacturing remain resilient in hiring. "My life is on complete pause," says Olivia Palak, a tech recruiter who has struggled to find full-time work for 8 months.

Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly have emphasized the need to continue addressing inflation, which remains above the Fed's 2% target, while avoiding harm to the labor market. "We are fully aware that we are not there yet -- no one is popping champagne anywhere," Kugler said.

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