US warehouse vacancies have reached their highest level in more than a decade, with the average national vacancy rate rising to 7.1% in the second quarter, according to Cushman & Wakefield. In addition, warehouse space listed for sublease exceeded 225 million square feet, a 25% increase from last year. Despite the increased vacancies, overall net rent hit $10.12 per square foot, gaining around 3% from the prior year, Cushman reports.

Trade tensions continue to weigh heavily on global business sentiment, with 54% of leaders expecting them to persist or worsen, according to Dun & Bradstreet's latest Global Business Optimism Report. Uncertainty around tariffs and trade policy has prompted many companies to pivot toward domestic markets or seek alternative international partners, notably in the EU and Asia outside mainland China.

Import cargo volumes at major US ports are projected to rebound this month, after experiencing a significant decline in late spring, as retailers accelerate shipments ahead of upcoming tariff implementation dates. According to the Global Port Tracker from NRF and Hackett Associates, volumes for July are forecast to rise 2.1% year over year, to 2.36 million TEU, following an 11.8% monthly drop in May. The surge is expected to be brief, as volumes are predicted to fall again after paused tariffs, some as high as 40%, take effect in August and beyond.

The global market for computer vision technology is expected to nearly double to $29 million over the next decade from $15 million this year, according to Future Market Insights, driven by demand for automation and analytics in logistics and other industries such as manufacturing and automotive. Applications range from robotic picking systems to inventory-monitoring drones, with some companies using AI-enabled cameras and analytics to boost safety and labor efficiency.

Companies want to quickly digitize procurement, particularly through technologies such as AI, according to a study by Digital Procurement World. However, traditional IT investment and adoption processes often impede progress. BP, Otto Group and Walmart have overcome these challenges by adopting agile methodologies, forming cross-functional teams and investing in digital upskilling.

Technical SEO remains critical for site visibility, especially as AI transforms search, writes Carolyn Shelby. Shelby notes that crawl efficiency determines the amount of content gets indexed and ranked, and that outdated pages, redirect chains and orphaned content can hinder this process. Shelby advises on optimizing site architecture for accessibility, eliminating crawl waste, fixing redirect chains, and ensuring important links are not hidden in JavaScript.

Federal Reserve officials expect to cut rates this year but differ on timing and magnitude, according to minutes from the June meeting. While most support some easing, concerns remain about inflation and labor market strength. The Fed kept rates steady at 4.25%-4.5% and maintained a cautious stance amid tariff uncertainty.

Organizations like CSCMP are working to introduce supply chain education at the high school level to build a stronger talent pipeline. With millions of high school graduates each year, CSCMP's talent center aims to equip students with foundational supply chain knowledge, integrating STEM and business education. "This early exposure ensures students are sharpened, having received both their STEM and business education with a clear grasp of how the supply chain functions," said Mark Baxa, president and CEO of CSCMP.

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.