The US services sector expanded in April, with the Institute for Supply Management's purchasing managers index increasing to 51.6 from 50.8 a month earlier, driven by a rise in new orders and inventories. However, some of the growth can likely be attributed to consumers and businesses rushing to beat tariffs, and companies expressed concern over President Donald Trump's tariffs and federal spending cuts, which are seen as increasing inflation pressures and economic uncertainty.

ABC Supply reports that various manufacturers are raising prices in response to tariffs, affecting products such as siding, windows, doors, roofing and decking. The wide-ranging price hikes include tariff surcharges as high as 40% on aluminum siding and more moderate 3-20% increases on an assortment of building materials and products.

The White House has ended the de minimis provision -- which exempted imported goods valued at less than $800 from tariffs -- a move that significantly affects ecommerce platforms and aims to curb unscreened imports. Airlines and ocean vessel operators will need to collect duties before goods are shipped, which the shipping industry says could lead to supply delays and disruptions, though US Customs and Border Protection says it is ready to manage higher inspection volume.

Manufacturers see hydrogen internal combustion engines as a viable alternative fuel, highlighting their compatibility with existing diesel and natural gas engines, as well as their potential for zero emissions. Chad Fohne of Cummins and Mehdi Ferhan of Volvo Group emphasize the minimal modifications needed for integration and the similar performance to diesel engines. Volvo plans to begin low-volume production of hydrogen ICEs in Europe, while Bosch and Cespira develop related technologies.

Nearly 45% of supply chain leaders plan to pass tariff costs to customers, while 43% aim to mitigate costs through initiatives, according to a Gartner survey. Leaders are concerned about increased costs, slowing customer demand and retaliatory measures and are moving to renegotiate supplier contracts and adjust production locations, the data show.

Creator Authority will probably create three times the B2B campaigns in 2025 as it did last year, co-founder Brendan Gahan says, and Wishly Group founder Aneesh Lal reports 75 such campaigns on the schedule this month. LinkedIn's upcoming BrandLink tool will tap into this market when it replaces the Wire Program at the beginning of June, letting marketers use creator videos for their pre-roll ads.

Leaders need to be skilled in emotional intelligence and AI, writes Shonda Gore, the founder and president of Mays and Associates, as well as interpersonal intelligence and self-knowledge. "These four intelligences allow leaders to tackle common roadblocks, challenges and delays and move projects forward with greater ease and effectiveness," Gore writes.

Optimal productivity is a fantasy, according to author Oliver Burkeman, who says he finally relaxed when he realized that it's "impossible for me to ever get to everything that matters to me." Embracing imperfection, Burkeman says, frees up your energy to "become absorbed in the things that you're doing rather than seeing them only as stepping­stones to a place of ultimate control. You get to stop postponing life."

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.