Wholesale inventories in April remained flat at $906.9 billion, missing economists' expectations of a 0.4% increase, but increased 2.1% from a year earlier, according to the US Census Bureau. Retail inventories fell 0.1% from March to $803.5 billion, though they were up 3.5% year over year. The US international trade deficit narrowed significantly to $87.3 billion in April, down from $162.3 billion in March, as exports increased and imports decreased.

Maintenance, repair and operations parts distributor Motion has opened its first Canadian Motion Conveyance Solutions shop in Calgary, a 9,600-square-foot facility to enhance service across Western Canada. The shop offers advanced belting technology and specializes in fluid conveyance, conveyor belting, hoses and on-site field services.

The federal trade court's decision striking down President Donald Trump's tariffs -- and a subsequent appeal that halted that ruling -- has created uncertainty for companies already dealing with rising costs. The Trump administration's appeal could lead to prolonged uncertainty, with the full implications of tariff payments and recoveries not understood for weeks.

Modern complex supply chains that span multiple continents and involve various stakeholders face more disruptions that can damage trust and operations and make traditional management styles obsolete, says Qlik executive Martin Tombs. Organizations like Penske and Whitworth have transitioned from reactive to proactive management through predictive analytics and AI, which helps them anticipate and mitigate disruptions with real-time data, scenario modeling and pre-emptively design response strategies, Tombs says.

Electric trucks could reach cost parity with diesel vehicles by 2030, according to a report from Energy Innovation and the International Council on Clean Transportation, but the trend depends on continued support from state and federal policies. The US electric truck market is unique, with significant investment in battery manufacturing leading to declining battery costs, although electric trucks remain more expensive than in other regions.

Oktopost's survey reveals that employee advocacy is a key strategy for B2B companies to expand brand reach cost-effectively, with 55% of surveyed organizations having active advocacy programs. Employees' authentic engagement helps overcome the limitations of traditional advertising, fostering deeper audience connections. "For B2B companies to stay competitive, social media must be at the heart of their go-to-market strategy," says Oktopost's Daniel Kushner.

The personal consumption expenditures price index was up 0.1% in April and climbed 2.1% on a year-over-year basis, according to the Commerce Department. A core measure that strips out food and energy gained 0.1% from the prior month and 2.5% from the previous year.

More than half of companies are using so-called quiet firing to manage headcount without formal layoffs, according to Resume Templates. Tactics include reducing benefits, increasing workloads and mandating office time. While 85% of companies find the method effective in encouraging turnover, 88% report decreased morale.

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