Port modernization is essential to ensure supply chain resilience and national security, writes Eric Hoplin, president and CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. Automation was a major sticking point during the recent negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Alliance, and Hoplin says the recent agreement "marks a significant step forward, demonstrating that adopting automation can -- and must -- be part of the solution to strengthen our supply chains."

President Trump is pushing for an early renegotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, using the threat of imposing tariffs as leverage. The USMCA is scheduled for review in 2026, but Trump aims to address automotive rules to encourage car manufacturing to return to the US. The move has prompted Canada and Mexico to prepare for potential economic disruptions, with Canada considering retaliatory tariffs. 

Over half of large business-to-business transactions will be conducted through digital self-serve channels, such as vendor websites or marketplaces, a trend influenced by millennial and Generation Z buyers, according to Forrester. Companies need to focus on creating meaningful interactions to enhance the buying experience rather than just processing transactions. Forrester also notes that younger buyers rely heavily on external influencers, and there is a risk of companies scaling back AI investments prematurely due to impatience with ROI.

Jobless claims in the US increased slightly last week, with 223,000 new applications filed, up 6,000 from the previous week, according to Labor Department data. Continuing claims increased to 1.9 million, the highest since November 2021.

Shipping concern MSC Mediterranean Shipping will continue rerouting ships around Africa rather than via the Red Sea, despite the Houthis' indication that they will stop attacking Western-owned ships. The firm said that the situation in the region remains tense and that "the security situation is unclear."

Cargo theft incidents in the US and Canada in 2024 reached a record high with 3,625 cases, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. Criminals have adapted their strategies and are targeting new commodities such as consumer electronics, copper products and cryptocurrency hardware.

David Brock highlights the significance of understanding customers' personal objectives alongside their business goals to drive successful decision-making. While business objectives are often articulated in professional terms, underlying personal motivations such as job security, promotions or work-life balance also play a crucial role.

Employee-generated content is becoming a valuable tool for B2B brands, writes Bradley Keenan, founder and CEO of DSMN8. By showcasing expertise, fostering authentic connections and providing cost-efficient marketing, employees can become storytellers and content creators, Keenan writes.

It's a leader's job to be on the lookout for signs of burnout among their team members, especially symptoms such as exhaustion and cynicism, writes LaRae Quy, a former FBI agent. "Exhaustion indicates that people have difficulty keeping up with their personal and professional lives, while cynicism implies a lack of trust in the organization or leadership," Quy writes.

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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