The US economy grew at a 2.3% annualized rate in the final quarter of 2024, according to Commerce Department data. The growth marked a slowdown from the 3.1% pace observed in the third quarter but remains above the Federal Reserve's non-inflationary target of 1.8%. Full-year growth stood at 2.8% last year, slightly down from the 2.9% posted in 2023.

Durable goods orders increased 3.1% in January after falling 1.8% the previous month, according to the Commerce Department. Orders were boosted by a surge in transportation equipment, particularly civilian aircraft and parts. Core durable goods orders, a measure that excludes military and transportation, increased 0.8%, marking the third consecutive month of growth. The increase in orders is seen more as a proactive measure to secure stock ahead of potential tariffs than as a sign of a meaningful manufacturing rebound.

President Donald Trump announced that the US is weighing 25% tariffs on the European Union, targeting cars and other goods. The move is seen as a response to the EU's duties, taxes and regulations on American firms. The EU is the latest ally targeted by Trump, with the president saying the block was created to take advantage of the US. Potential trade actions are expected to follow a trade policy review set to be complete by April 2.

The US plans to end the de minimis exemption for Chinese imports, which allows duty-free entry for packages valued at less than $800, a move that could significantly impact ecommerce supply chains. Companies like Temu and Shein might need to shift to bulk imports and US-based distribution to cope with potential tariffs of up to 35%, while Freightos, UPS, FedEx and DHL could see increased customs processing complexity and delays.

A recent Jones Lang LaSalle survey indicates that power availability and security are becoming top priorities for logistics occupiers. Companies in sectors like electric vehicles and renewables are leading growth, with two-thirds of major occupiers committed to reducing emissions through fleet electrification and energy upgrades, but 41% of demand for low-carbon space could be unmet by 2030 due to aging industrial stock.

Marketers are increasingly focused on the ethical use of AI, with Olivia Gambelin of Ethical Intelligence explaining how a tool called Value Canvas can guide use of AI across people, process and technology. WPP's Daniel Hulme says personal digital twins will eventually be a common way to help people make decisions, while George Samaras of Coveo emphasizes the importance of governance, human oversight and auditing to use AI.

Managers play a pivotal role in helping Gen Z employees find meaning in their work by fostering a supportive environment that promotes self-knowledge, adding value and building relationships, write Kelly Kennedy, director of transformative learning and Cathleen Swody, managing partner with Foster Talent Consulting, both at the University of Connecticut. By asking insightful questions and providing mentorship, managers can guide young professionals towards aligning their personal goals with organizational objectives, benefiting both parties, they write.

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