US durable goods orders surged 9.2% in March, according to the Commerce Department. The surge in orders was driven by a 139% increase in aircraft orders and a tariff-driven rise in orders for autos and metals. However, other sectors showed muted activity due to economic concerns and tariffs, with nondefense capital goods orders excluding aircraft rising only 0.1%.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has provided significant benefits to small businesses like COE Distributing, allowing them to compete with larger corporations, writes CEO J.D. Ewing. Key provisions such as the Section 199A deduction have allowed COE to increase wages by 50%, introduce a pension plan and transition to an employee stock ownership plan. Ewing warns that if these provisions expire, it could lead to significant tax increases for small businesses, potentially harming job growth and economic stability.

Consumer spending has remained strong despite concerns about tariffs and a possible recession. Spending in March exceeded expectations, and J.P. Morgan this week said that in the first half of April, consumers spent 3.8% more than a year earlier. However, experts believe some buying is likely fueled by consumers seeking to purchase items ahead of tariff-induced price hikes, and a slowdown could come if trade disputes go unresolved.

Sales and operations planning is crucial for balancing demand and supply amid economic uncertainty, Sarah Gilchrist, a director analyst with Gartner Supply Chain, writes. Organizations should extend planning beyond short-term objectives, foster collaborative decision-making and enhance stakeholder communication to achieve superior outcomes.

Agentic AI is becoming an essential tool in procurement, offering capabilities that enhance long-term planning, automate key functions and build resilience, especially as companies seek to navigate the challenges of tariffs, writes Matthew Buckingham, the SVP of Sales at Focal Point. AI plays a vital role in this process by analyzing data to identify cost-effective suppliers and minimize reliance on regions affected by tariffs, Buckingham writes.

Companies trying to navigate uncertain or changing market conditions must embrace the change and challenge the status quo rather than sticking to how things are always done, writes sales trainer Paul Reilly. Sellers should ask "why" questions to understand the motivations behind buyers' decisions and encourage open dialogue, which can lead to meaningful change.

The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book highlights rising prices and slowing economic activity as businesses and consumers react to widespread uncertainty due to President Donald Trump's trade policy. US businesses report increased costs due to tariffs, with many planning to pass these on to consumers. Some regions report potential layoffs as demand softens and costs rise. Significant impacts were noted in the auto and construction industries, with some consumers rushing to purchase cars before import duties increase.

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.