Businesses are struggling to adapt to the new realities, forced with choices that are far from ideal, including raising prices, waiting out the trade war and rapidly moving away from Chinese-made products. Some firms learned lessons during Trump's first trade war in 2018, but the levies are much higher this time around and the equation has changed. Economists expect to see the first glimpses of tariffs' impact on the economy in a range of data releases this week.

QXO is issuing $2 billion in senior secured notes through its subsidiary, Queen MergerCo, to fund the acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply. Due in 2032, the notes are to be backed by first-priority liens on most of the firm's assets and second-priority liens on inventory and receivables. QXO also extended its all-cash offer for Beacon shares to April 28, with 38.32% of shares tendered so far. The deal is expected to close by the end of the month.

Nearly 25% of US residents are canceling major purchases, such as homes and cars, due to new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, while 32% are delaying, according to a Redfin survey. The tariffs, including 10% on all countries and up to 145% on China, have caused market volatility and raised fears of a recession.

Ease Logistics has begun using semi-autonomous trucks with platooning technology from Kratos Defense on I-70 between Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis as part of a project with the Ohio and Indiana transportation departments. The trucks have cameras and sensors for object detection, with drivers present in both vehicles for safety.

Companies such as Amazon and GXO Logistics are testing humanoid robots in warehouses to address labor shortages. These robots are designed to work effectively in structured environments, performing tasks such as moving heavy boxes within facilities, but the high costs and technological challenges of deploying humanoid robots on a wide scale remain significant barriers.

Composable technology is shifting software architecture and transforming supply chain management by enabling modular, adaptable systems that enhance data accuracy and cross-functional collaboration, writes Amber Salley of GAINS Systems. The modular approach ensures tailored solutions, cost efficiency by updating only necessary components and risk mitigation through gradual service implementation.

Value-based marketing is crucial for B2B companies to drive customer growth amid economic uncertainty, writes Gartner's Philip Black. Marketing leaders should focus on communicating tangible business impact and differentiating products by using value assessment tools.

Leaders should model accountability by learning from mistakes and focusing on personal relationships, writes Gloria St. Martin-Lowry, the president of HPWP Group, as a cornerstone of company culture. "When leaders take the time to build personal connections and foster mutual trust, accountability stops feeling like an obligation," St. Martin-Lowry writes.

Companies are cutting middle management to improve efficiency, but 72% of senior executives feel overstretched, and 40% of employees report a lack of direction, according to a Korn Ferry survey. Known as organizational flattening, the cutting of middle management to streamline operations is causing communication and alignment issues within companies and can inadvertently reduce productivity and increase turnover as employees see fewer opportunities for career advancement.

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