US consumer sentiment surged in June, posting its biggest monthly gain since January 2024, as inflation fears eased and economic optimism improved. The University of Michigan's sentiment index rose to 60.5, driven by a sharp drop in short-term inflation expectations--from 6.6% to 5.1%, the steepest decline since 2001. While confidence across political groups climbed and personal finance expectations jumped, overall sentiment remains below late 2023 levels amid lingering concerns about trade policy and downside economic risks.

Do it Best Group has stabilized the True Value Company distribution network, raising fill rates to the mid-90% range from around 30% during True Value's bankruptcy. Do it Best officials describe the next steps in the integration of the company, with President Nick Talarico emphasizing the value of the True Value brand in the acquisition and True Value President Dent Johnson noting ongoing challenges, such as SKU rationalization and IT system integration.

US importers are increasingly storing goods in Canadian warehouses to delay or avoid tariffs, with demand for bonded warehouse space surging. By storing goods in Canada, companies can delay or reduce tariff payments, especially as US tariff rates continue to fluctuate. The strategy provides cost-saving opportunities and smoother cash flow management for businesses facing high tariff bills.

Companies with the highest scores for supply chain resilience, as measured by North Carolina State University’s Tariff-Resilience Index, consistently outperformed others in the Drucker Institute’s annual Management Top 250 ranking for overall corporate effectiveness. The research highlights that strong supply chain management and innovation are critical for navigating volatile trade environments.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate and endanger the Strait of Hormuz -- a key route for oil and container shipments that accounts for nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments -- shipping companies are looking at implementing safety measures, rerouting high-risk transits and staying informed on threat levels. Though the strait remains open, uncertainty and potential disruption are causing concerns about oil prices and shipment schedules, and more shipowners are avoiding the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.

DigiKey's Thief River Falls, Minn., operation has become the largest foreign trade zone in the US by volume. This helps the company handle a high volume of shipments, manage supply chain disruptions and tariffs by spreading out payments and avoid tariffs on re-exported goods. The FTZ status, granted in 2020, allows DigiKey to import large orders and ship smaller portions to US customers more efficiently.

B2B marketers should understand their organization's business model and financial fundamentals to better support revenue growth, writes Mike Rizzo, CEO of MarketingOps.com. Marketers can improve collaboration with finance teams by learning about budgeting cycles, profit and loss statements, and financial forecasting.

Senate Republicans have released a revised version of tax legislation that would raise the debt limit by $5 trillion. The legislation includes a $10,000 SALT cap as a placeholder, with negotiations on the issue expected to continue. It would also reportedly go further with efforts to reduce Medicaid spending.

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.