Exports from US ports have slowed in recent months, affecting nearly all sectors with notable impacts on agricultural products such as soybeans, corn and beef, according to trade tracker Vizion, which looked at US export container bookings in the five weeks before and after tariffs took effect. The Port of Portland, Ore., has seen a 51% drop in exports, and the Port of Tacoma, Wash., has seen a 28% drop as businesses cancel orders and shift strategies. "With tariffs driving costs higher, small businesses are pausing orders," said Vizion CEO Kyle Henderson.

Grainger's ecommerce operations are becoming a significant growth driver for the company, with daily sales jumping more than 15%, far outpacing the company's overall growth. The companies Zoro and MonotaRO platforms in the US and Japan, respectively, are play a critical role in the firm's ecommerce growth, with Zoro's daily sales rising 18.4% and MonotaRO increasing 13.6% in the most recent quarter. The platforms are crucial for Grainger's strategy to expand its digital presence and customer base.

The US trade deficit set a new record of $140.5 billion in March, driven by a 4.4% increase in imports to $419 billion as companies rushed to bring in goods before new tariffs took effect. Exports rose slightly to $278.5 billion. The larger-than-expected deficit poses a challenge to President Donald Trump's trade policies, which aim to reduce the trade gap.

The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice have asked federal agencies to identify regulations that hinder businesses. The move is part of the Trump administration's effort to modify or rescind rules it deems anticompetitive.

DHL Supply Chain has acquired IDS Fulfillment, an Indiana logistics company, to enhance DHL's services for small and midsize ecommerce businesses. The deal gives DHL access to 1.3 million square feet of warehouse space in Indiana, Georgia and Utah, and IDS' current management will continue to run operations.

Country-of-origin certifications are essential under various federal laws like the Buy American Act and the Trade Agreements Act, writes Jayna Marie Rust, a partner at Thompson Coburn. These certifications are crucial for legal compliance, as inaccurate certifications can lead to criminal or civil charges. Companies must constantly review and update their supply chain documents to ensure compliance with country-of-origin requirements, especially amidst fluctuating tariffs, Rust writes.

YouTube is increasingly becoming a valuable platform for B2B marketers to build trust and accelerate sales cycles, writes Pauline Jakober, CEO and founder of Group Twenty Seven. She advises starting with educational content that answers common questions and builds trust, using YouTube's granular targeting capabilities and testing different production styles and video lengths.

Organizations must redesign traditional work structures, with fixed roles and rigid processes, to fully harness the potential of AI. A "work-backward" approach -- deconstructing, redeploying and reconstructing tasks -- can unlock new efficiencies.

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.