The producer price index was down 0.4% in March from the prior month, marking the most significant decrease since 2023. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected a 0.2% gain. Meanwhile, a measure of core producer prices that strips out food and energy fell 0.1% for the month. Producer prices jumped 2.7% from a year earlier, down from 3.2% a month earlier.

Customers expect 6.7% inflation this year and consumer sentiment dropped to 50.8 points, records since 1981 and June 2022 respectively, the University of Michigan index shows. Some responses came in before President Donald Trump's roller coaster of tariff announcements.

Despite President Donald Trump's abrupt 90-day pause on most reciprocal tariffs this week, many businesses are still seeking clarity amid the confusion. Companies are attempting to navigate an unpredictable trade landscape, and previously imposed tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum remain in place, impacting a range of industries. Exorbitant tariffs on Chinese imports and heavy tariffs enacted by China in response have soured the outlook for world trade and left businesses grappling with uncertainty.

The House has approved a budget blueprint to advance tax and other priorities in a 216-214 vote. Some Republican lawmakers had expressed concerns about spending, but they agreed to back the blueprint after leaders in the House and Senate said they wanted at least $1.5 trillion worth of cuts. As they continue to craft legislation, lawmakers will have to address other questions, such as how and whether to make modifications to Medicaid.

The role of industrial ecommerce is growing as customers seek speed and convenience, and successful implementation necessitates prioritizing customer experience and integrating sales teams, writes Alex Sayyah, CEO of Aleran Software. Companies should simplify product configuration options, support flexible pricing, ensure easy access to product documentation, accommodate buying teams and train sales teams to guide customers effectively.

As supply chains become increasingly complex, AI plays a critical role in managing and optimizing these networks by helping procurement teams anticipate disruptions, refine sourcing strategies and align their goals with broader business objectives. AI's ability to process large volumes of data in real time allows for smarter decision-making and improved supply chain visibility, which is essential for handling intricate supply chain challenges.

AI proficiency is a vital skill for marketers, with HubSpot co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Dharmesh Shah noting its importance for career growth. AI tools are reshaping B2B marketing by automating complex tasks, allowing marketers to focus on creativity and strategy, writes Océane Li of NextGenABM. Companies are increasingly seeking AI-skilled marketers, particularly in demand generation roles, to drive measurable results, Li writes.

Disruption and uncertainty in the current economic climate show no sign of disappearing, which means, according to AlixPartners Executive Chairman Simon Freakley, it's time to deliberately leverage "disruption as a springboard for reinvention rather than retreat." The 2025 AlixPartners Disruption Index shows that companies that succeed during turmoil are those who invest in technology and integrate predictive tools to anticipate and mitigate risks, Freakley says.

Big US companies filed bankruptcy at the fastest pace since 2010 in the first quarter of 2025, with 188 cases, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Forever 21's US operator, Mitel Networks and 23andMe were among the firms that sought court protection in March. "Companies, particularly those with weaker balance sheets, continue to face challenges as debt matures and needs to be refinanced at higher interest rates than at the time of issuance," S&P said.

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