President Donald Trump said he has chosen a new tariff strategy ahead of his self-imposed April 2 "Liberation Day" deadline but hasn't disclosed specifics. Options could include a universal 20% tariff on all imports or a reciprocal approach targeting countries individually.

Businesses are preparing for significant challenges as the latest round of tariffs is set to take effect. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors said previously that tariffs "divert valuable capital away from critical investments in hiring, wages, training and expansion" and could cause disruptions that "risk exacerbating inflation." The Consumer Brands Association, representing major US brands, said the "one-size-fits-all approach" of the Trump administration must be reviewed to consider supply chain constraints and the reality of commodity and import markets.

AI can enhance the productivity and efficiency of outside sales representatives by identifying high-potential prospects, automating administrative tasks and providing real-time insights into customer behavior, writes Proton.ai CEO Benj Cohen. The technology can allow salespeople to prioritize activities more effectively, close deals and strengthen customer relationships, helping to fuel sales and profitability.

Fresh off its merger with True Value, Do it Best has appointed Scott Morrison as its first member operational excellence manager. Morrison will focus on enhancing organizational efficiency to boost productivity and profitability. He highlighted business processes -- such as accounts payable and receivable, sales and order entry -- and truck turn times and forklift travel in lumber yards as areas of operation that could use a fresh perspective to "create an actionable, measurable and accountable plan to improve your business."

Structured negotiation processes can enhance supply chain resilience and performance, writes Craig Moss, a Digital Supply Chain Institute director. Improving negotiation is not about assessing outcomes alone but involves measuring and refining the process itself, and Moss highlights the importance of preparation, internal alignment and strategic data exchange.

Brands and retailers are facing challenges from tariff uncertainties, escalating compliance demands and sustainability expectations, according to Inspectorio's State of Supply Chain Report 2025. More than 75% of organizations are increasing compliance budgets, and more than 60% of suppliers report that retailers push compliance costs onto them. The report also highlights the need for digital innovation, with early adopters of AI seeing gains, though many companies lag in automation and digitization.

Generative AI is emerging as a powerful tool for B2B sales, with 19% of businesses already implementing it, according to a McKinsey survey. However, many B2B leaders are still hesitant and unsure of where the benefits lie. McKinsey highlights seven use cases, including next-best opportunity and action, meeting support and smart pricing, to demonstrate the technology's potential to boost revenue and productivity.

While President Trump's trade tariffs have added uncertainty to markets, analysts say deeper factors like slower earnings growth and tech sector overvaluation are also at play. S&P 500 profits are now forecast 4% lower than at the start of the year, with consumer and industrial sectors weakening even before the election. Experts warn that broader economic cooling--not just trade policy--could be setting the stage for a potential recession.

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