Importers are struggling with the unpredictable trade policies from the Trump administration. The White House's tariff policies have led to unexpected costs and operational chaos for some importers. Strategies include raising prices to offset the financial impact, stockpiling goods or even postponing orders in the hope of tariff suspensions.

Ecommerce giant Amazon has filed a lawsuit against the Consumer Product Safety Commission, arguing that the commission exceeded its authority by requiring Amazon to manage recalls for products sold by third-party sellers. Amazon contends it shouldn't be classified as a distributor because it does not own the products sold through its Fulfillment by Amazon service.

MRC Global has partnered with Frisbie Measurement Services to create IMTEC Services, a meter center that combines meter and electronic reading capabilities while maintaining high quality and safety standards. IMTEC, based in La Porte, Texas, aims to reduce lead times, mitigate market disruptions and deliver precise meters. MRC Global President and CEO Rob Saltiel expects a strong reception from gas utility customers.

Supply chain planning includes developing strategies for production and materials, managing product demand and creating a master production schedule, but the costs can add up with personnel, overhead, systems and additional internal and external resources, writes Marisa Brown, senior principal research lead for supply chain management with APQC. Organizations should manage costs by enhancing communication and internal and external collaboration, using advanced technologies to automate certain functions and continuously improving planning processes.

Analysis by Sopro of almost 98 million B2B prospecting emails and a B2B buyer survey finds that messaging themes related to previous contact, explaining and collaboration lead to higher conversion rates. Themes focused on pain points, solutions and actions had a negative impact. Personalized subject lines and those with offers are most effective, the research shows.

Immersive reality technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality are transforming B2B sales by offering unique customer experiences, Shawn Casemore writes. For example, some companies are using VR headsets to provide virtual tours of products, while AR can offer more cost-effective tours, demonstrations or gamification. Immersive reality gives prospects the "chance to fully experience what you're selling before they make an investment, reducing their risk of buyer remorse," Casemore writes.

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates at 4.25% to 4.5% amid growing economic uncertainty and weakening consumer sentiment. Its updated projections may indicate slower growth and higher inflation, driven by trade policies and tariffs, heightening stagflation risks. "It puts the Fed between a rock and a hard place," said Jay Bryson, chief economist at Wells Fargo. "If inflation goes up, you want to be tightening," but "if the unemployment rate goes up, you want to be loosening."

Kevin Reid-Morris, a keynote speaker at the upcoming SHIFT Conference, joined the MDM Podcast to discuss his extensive research on AI applications in distribution. Reid-Morris, who authored the AI Playbook and conducted a two-year study with Epicor, will present findings from over 50 AI use cases at the conference, highlighting what distinguishes top-performing innovators.

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.

Interested in membership with NAW? Reach out and let us know how we can help you.