US business activity has reached its highest level this year, driven by a manufacturing rebound, according to S&P Global's flash purchasing managers index. The index climbed to 55.4, the highest reading since December, indicating robust expansion. Manufacturing hit a three-year high of 53.3, while the services sector dipped to 55.4 from 55.7 a month earlier.

Ecommerce companies are increasingly turning to foreign trade zones to manage tariffs more efficiently as the US ends the de minimis provision that exempted shipments of $800 or less from duties. FTZs allow businesses to store goods indefinitely and defer duty payments until products are shipped to customers, offering greater flexibility compared with bonded warehouses, which have a five-year storage limit and require per-shipment duty filings. Ecommerce fulfillment provider ShipBob, for example, has more than doubled its FTZ-designated warehouse space and plans further expansions.

Walmart, Home Depot and Target are among US retailers that have expressed optimism about consumer resilience, with Walmart raising its full-year sales outlook, Target sales exceeding expectations and Home Depot reporting healthy customers. However, they warn of imminent tariff-driven price increases as inventory imported before the levies took effect is running out and stock is being replenished at higher rates. Analysts predict that inflation will increase and retailers will be forced to pass on more tariff costs to consumers, potentially affecting spending patterns and the upcoming holiday season.

Last-mile delivery is evolving as companies focus on faster, more efficient methods to meet rising consumer expectations. Trends include automated delivery using drones and robots, the use of environmentally sustainable vehicles and increased delivery flexibility. Companies are also enhancing customer communication and exploring collaborative delivery models to minimize costs.

Procurement automation, powered by AI, is transforming supply chain management by enhancing efficiency, accuracy and responsiveness. Companies like Walmart exemplify the successful integration of AI to optimize inventory, forecast demand and automate supplier orders. However, this shift also brings challenges. Effective change management and ethical considerations are crucial for successful implementation, ensuring that automation complements human expertise rather than replacing it.

Melissa Houston outlines five foundational principles for selling without feeling manipulative: listen more than you talk, be transparent about whether your offer is the right fit, lead with genuine value, price your services confidently and follow up without pressure. Applying these principles helps entrepreneurs and business leaders build trust, foster authentic relationships and achieve business success while staying true to their values.

If fear and your inner critic keep dogging you, leadership coach Guryan Tighe offers ways to turn them into a strategic advantage by recognizing the difference between rational and irrational fears, which can help you respond with intention instead of reactivity, and observing self-criticism to uncover insights about what needs improving. "Our critic is an important part of us, and once we understand its role, when we see it coming, we can engage it to understand why it's here," Tighe notes.

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.

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