The producer price index was flat in February, below the Dow Jones forecast for a 0.3% gain, but increased 3.4% compared with a year earlier. Meanwhile, a core measure that strips out the food and energy categories decreased 0.1% for the month while rising 3.4% year over year.
Genuine Parts subsidiary UAP, a distributor of replacement parts and automotive services, plans to acquire Benson Group, an automotive and heavy-duty parts distributor in Ontario, Canada. The acquisition, expected to close by May, will expand UAP's network and enhance service capabilities in Ontario and Quebec, where Benson operates more than 85 locations. UAP President Alain Masse said the acquisition "aligns perfectly" with the company's strategy to strengthen its position in the Canadian market.
AI agents are set to transform distribution by automating repetitive tasks such as order processing, inventory checks and quote generation, writes Sahitya Senapathy, CEO of Endeavor.ai. These agents use machine learning and generative AI to understand unstructured data, improving accuracy and efficiency while allowing customer service representatives to focus on building relationships.
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Imports at major US ports are projected to remain steady this spring despite fluctuating tariffs on foreign goods, according to the Global Port Tracker from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. January saw a 13.4% year-over-year increase in imports, and February is expected to see a 6.1% increase.
Supply chains are growing more complex, increasing supplier risks, but AI and predictive analytics can help mitigate these risks by processing large datasets, automating tasks and monitoring in real time, writes former Amazon Product Lead Hardik Chawla. By analyzing historical data and market trends, companies can anticipate issues before they arise, allowing for informed decision-making and optimized supply chain strategies, Chawla notes.
Bridge Partners' Marisa Lather emphasizes the importance of relevant data, emotional engagement and clear brand positioning in B2B marketing. She discusses how customer journey mapping, sentiment analysis and strategic use of AI can transform marketing effectiveness, saying, "If you're hitting people with data, but they don't even know they have a problem, it's just annoying. You have to really architect that customer journey."
Senate Democrats will support a Republican funding bill to avert a government shutdown despite concerns about the bill's allowance for downsizing federal agencies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., described the decision as a choice between bad options, warning that a shutdown could give President Donald Trump more power to close parts of the government. The bill includes significant spending changes, such as cuts to nondefense spending and funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to implementing reciprocal tariffs, disregarding concerns about market disruption. Trump's remarks came as major stock indexes continued to fall, with the S&P 500 entering correction territory. The European Union and Canada have announced retaliatory measures against the US tariffs, escalating tensions further.
McKinsey's latest report on the 2025 M&A market highlights both optimism and challenges. While economic conditions have improved with declining capital costs and normalizing valuations, geopolitical instability and regulatory changes pose significant risks. Concerns about trade policies and political transitions, particularly in North America, could impact growth.
Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for approximately 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 250,000 wholesale distribution companies operate across North America, including all 50 states. Learn more.
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