Producer prices in June showed no change, with the producer price index remaining flat from the previous month and rising 2.3% from a year earlier, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, prices for final demand goods, which are relevant to manufacturing, rose by 0.3%, the largest increase since February, with tariff-sensitive communication equipment seeing a 0.8% gain. May data was also revised from a 0.1% increase to a 0.3% rise. 

Shippers face tight timelines and uncertainty as the Aug. 1 implementation of reciprocal tariffs approaches. Shippers and importers are contending with shifting tariff rates and evolving public policy, making it difficult to predict the impact on logistics operations. On top of that, while the US economy's fundamentals remain strong, ongoing uncertainty around inflation and monetary policy heightens anxiety in financial markets and casts doubt on future growth prospects.

Economic policies from the Trump administration are starting to show tangible effects as tariffs increase prices on imported goods, including furniture and clothing, and an immigration crackdown slows job growth. Americans now face an average effective tariff rate of 20.6%, the highest in over a century, but the economy has so far remained resilient, with strong consumer spending and ample job creation. However, some analysts warn the full effects may be delayed due to factors like importer stockpiling and long shipping times.

Automation firm Festo has installed a 1.4-MW rooftop solar array at its Mason, Ohio distribution center, enabling the facility to generate 48% of its annual electricity needs on site. "The Festo Regional Service Center's solar project does more than save energy -- it is a model of resilience and forward thinking that reflects this city's economic and environmental goals," says Mason Mayor Diana Nelson.

Around 80% of retailers and suppliers anticipate ongoing impacts on pricing and supply chains due to tariffs and trade policies, according to "The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2025" report from FMI -- The Food Industry Association. In response, food retailers and suppliers are enhancing the grocery shopping experience by expanding fresh offerings, creating wellness hubs and improving omnichannel capabilities. 

B2B sales and marketing teams must move beyond alignment to unification to meet the needs of modern buyers, writes Tribal Impact CEO Sarah Goodall. Goodall notes that buyers are making decisions before engaging with sales, so visibility, relevance and trust are crucial, highlighting account-based social selling as one effective method.

If you're constantly putting off tasks, you may need more "jellybeans" -- or personal energy reserves -- to get the job done, writes leadership consultant Christopher Richards, who recommends planning for projects you know will take more effort. Richards also notes that we're more productive when we identify and deal with the source of our resistance to some tasks, whether it's boredom, a fear of failing or some other reason.

Starting a transformation program is akin to building a campfire, requiring the right conditions and sustained effort, writes Michael Bertha, a partner at Metis Strategy. Bertha offers tips for success, including securing active leadership involvement, anticipating internal skepticism, co-authoring a unified vision, over-investing in employee engagement and dedicating full-time resources.

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