The US Leading Economic Index fell by 0.1% in December, reversing a previous increase and reflecting challenges in manufacturing demand, the job market and construction permits, according to The Conference Board. Despite the setbacks, positive contributions from the stock market suggest strong growth momentum at the start of the year.

Prologis, the world's largest industrial property developer, says warehouse leasing activity surged following the US presidential election in November. CEO Hamid Moghadam noted that companies are more decisive about leasing space -- leading to a record 61 million square feet leased in the fourth quarter.

President Donald Trump announced that his administration is considering implementing a 10% tariff on China, starting as early as Feb. 1. The decision is linked to concerns over China's involvement in the production of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Economists warn that if both the US and China impose new tariffs, it could significantly impact the GDP of both countries.

Supply chain disruptions rose 38% in 2024, with factory fires leading for the sixth year, although incidents decreased 20% from 2023, according to Resilinc. Labor disruptions increased 47%, affecting industries globally, while financial risks such as business sales and leadership transitions also were significant. Extreme weather alerts surged, with floods up 214% and hurricanes up 101%.

The US election has raised questions about future trade policies, particularly regarding tariffs, which President Donald Trump has proposed on Chinese, Mexican and Canadian goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, writes Melissa Irmen, a National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones director. Companies should monitor developments, engage in public comment opportunities and prepare for potential trade disruptions.

AI can help tailor language to specific audiences, whether it's simplifying complex legal language for employees or making it playful for a video. This ensures that the message is accessible and engaging for different groups, enhancing communication effectiveness across diverse demographics.

Ruth Stevens highlighted the importance of customer retention in B2B at a recent conference, noting that existing customers account for 73% of B2B revenue yet just 15% of marketers prioritize them. Stevens offers seven strategies for retention, including swift problem resolution, penetration marketing, defection prevention, automatic replenishment, account-level loyalty recognition and win-back strategies.

Businesses are rapidly responding to a series of executive orders issued by President Trump, which have introduced significant changes to tax, immigration, trade and energy policies. Companies like JPMorgan Chase have established "war rooms" to navigate these changes, while law firms such as Fisher Phillips have set up hotlines to manage potential immigration raids. The orders have prompted concerns among manufacturers and retailers about their impact on operations, but many executives remain optimistic about Trump's pro-business agenda.

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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