Tariffs have not caused a significant surge in inflation as expected, with a study from Barclays finding the weighted-average tariff rate in May was around 9%, well below the 12% rate previously estimated. This is due to more than half of US imports being duty-free and importers shifting to countries with lower tariffs or domestic producers. However, Barclays predicts that tariff rates will rise as loopholes close, potentially leading to higher consumer prices.

US business inventories rose by 0.2% in June, following a flat reading in May, according to the Commerce Department. Year-over-year, inventories were up 1.6%. The increase was primarily attributed to higher motor vehicle stocks, with retail and manufacturing inventories also seeing modest gains. Wholesale inventories edged up slightly, while the time needed to clear shelves shortened marginally.

Logistics experts say that while consumer and producer price indexes are accelerating, the full effect of tariffs has yet to be felt because a significant amount of imported goods are still sitting in so-called middle-mile warehouses and distribution centers. Industry insiders say most price hikes tied to tariffs remain hidden as companies hold larger inventories. Prices are expected to rise as those inventories begin to move out in the coming months.

Instead of focusing on specific types of disasters, companies should use all-hazards planning for supply chain disaster preparedness to create a consistent approach that prioritizes business continuity regardless of the event, writes Kathy Fulton, the executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network. Combine this strategy with risk-informed planning where appropriate to ensure disaster response plans are both broad and tailored to likely threats, Fulton notes.

Industrial environments often use air-gapped networks to protect against cyber threats, but this creates challenges in device management, writes IT expert Ron Elliott. A hybrid approach combining on-premises control with cloud-based tools is emerging as a solution, offering security, scalability and efficiency. This strategy is vital for maintaining safety and operational efficiency in sectors such as manufacturing and transportation, writes Elliott.

Digital tools are revolutionizing supply chain management by enhancing resilience, speed and efficiency. Real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, paperless workflows, data analytics, automated communication, integrated payment systems and agile tools are key technologies driving this transformation. These innovations reduce delays, minimize errors and improve coordination among supply chain partners, making businesses more adaptable to disruptions.

Senior B2B marketers are increasingly taking on new responsibilities, with 79% reporting expanded roles in the past year, per a survey by Anteriad and Ascend2. To manage these changes, 38% of marketers read industry research and use AI, 36% develop internal team skills or hire the right talent and 32% network with peers. Top contributions to company success include driving revenue growth, improving customer acquisition, enhancing brand awareness and managing marketing technology.

Research shows that when employers support employees fulfilling roles outside of work -- by enabling family time, creative pursuits and personal growth -- they become more loyal, productive and satisfied at work, writes Louis Tay, professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Purdue University. Culture like this reduces turnover and improves efficiency and outcomes over the long term, he says.

Trade partners including the UK, Japan, the EU and South Korea are experiencing frustration and economic losses due to delays in the implementation of tariff concessions promised by President Donald Trump. While agreements have been announced to reduce tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos, the actual relief has been slow to materialize, causing uncertainty and financial strain for industries in these countries.

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