Businesses are struggling to set prices amid US tariffs, which have led to uncertainty about costs and consumer acceptance. With pre-tariff inventories dwindling, companies are mulling price hikes, but inflation-weary consumers and stiff competition make it difficult to determine how much of the added costs can be passed on. "Everyone is struggling to figure out what to do, what's the right decision, where do we set prices," said Clifford Thompson, president of Thompson Traders.

Ocean shipping rates from China to the US have plummeted 68% since June, marking the lowest levels since December 2023. The significant drop is attributed to a shorter peak season, cautious inventory strategies and broader economic uncertainty. Global rates have fallen for 11 straight weeks, reflecting subdued demand as retailers and manufacturers hold back on fresh orders.

President Donald Trump plans to ask the Supreme Court for an expedited ruling on a recent federal appeals court decision that declared most of his tariffs illegal. The tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, targeted imports from major trading partners, such as China, Canada and Mexico. The Federal Circuit appeals court ruled that imposing tariffs is a congressional power.

Walmart is leveraging digital twins, which are spatial AI-powered virtual replicas of its stores and clubs, to proactively detect and resolve operational issues. This technology enables Walmart to identify maintenance needs up to two weeks in advance, leading to a 30% reduction in emergency alerts and a 19% decrease in refrigeration maintenance costs. By improving stock accuracy and efficiency, digital twins support smoother retail operations, even if the benefits are mostly invisible to customers.

IT leaders consistently face questions about high costs, often stemming from tool and service redundancy. Dharmesh Jagwani, IT manager of global infrastructure for Mitek Systems, highlights that complexity in IT arises gradually through overlapping tools and unclear processes. Jagwani advocates for consolidation, noting that it reduces licensing costs and enhances efficiency and resilience. He adds that consolidation becomes even more crucial with the adoption of AI, which relies on clean, consistent data.

B2B marketers should adopt the "buyability" model to unify brand and demand, accurately attribute revenue and reflect the complex decision-making process of B2B buyers, LinkedIn's Mimi Turner writes. The model emphasizes the importance of brand in building buyer confidence throughout the journey, particularly in the final stages, and highlights the influence of "hidden buyers" from departments such as legal and HR.

Integrating generative AI into your company demands more than technical upgrades; it calls for thoughtful strategies that engage employees, encourage cross-functional collaboration and promote hands-on learning, writes Gleb Tsipursky, the CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts. Demystify AI by providing clear explanations, practical training and transparent communication about its uses and limitations, Tsipursky recommends.

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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