The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors has filed for a preliminary injunction from the US District Court in Oregon to halt the enforcement of the state's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, citing constitutional issues and unforeseen costs. The injunction aims to pause all reporting and payment obligations under the law until the legal challenge is resolved, citing the potential for imminent and irreparable harm to businesses. NAW argues the law creates a privately controlled regulatory system that imposes burdensome fees on businesses. "Our members' July invoices show a system that is unpredictable, opaque, and economically unsustainable," says Brian Wild, NAW's chief government relations officer.

US business activity grew this month at the fastest rate in four months, driven by the services sector, according to S&P Global's composite output index, which rose to 54.8. Business optimism has increased, fueled by expectations of interest-rate cuts and the end of a government shutdown. However, inflationary pressures have returned, with the index for prices paid for materials rising to 63.1. Employment growth has been modest, and manufacturing faces challenges with slower new-order growth and record-high finished-goods inventories.

US Foods and Performance Food Group have mutually agreed to terminate discussions on a potential merger after conducting a comprehensive analysis of possible synergies and regulatory factors. US Foods CEO Dave Flitman said the board and executive leaders concluded the best path forward was to abandon the merger discussions and continue to execute its long-term plan. US Foods also announced $1.25 billion in share repurchases and reaffirmed its financial outlook.

Consumer sentiment fell notably in November, with the University of Michigan's headline index dropping to 51, close to historic lows for the survey. The decline reflects growing unease among Americans, who are grappling with persistent economic challenges, including inflation, job market uncertainty and the recent government shutdown.

Retailers tend to raise prices significantly ahead of tariffs after high-profile trade policy announcements, creating windfall profits and affecting consumer welfare more than the tariffs themselves, according to a study by IPRoyal. The study found that retailers increased prices five times faster during such periods, with 43% of products showing price hikes. The study also notes that actual supply chain disruptions, such as Red Sea shipping attacks, did not have a measurable impact on prices.

Businesses are accelerating supply chain modernization to enhance agility, visibility and sustainability amid environmental and geopolitical disruptions, according to an Information Services Group report. Companies are moving from isolated upgrades to comprehensive transformations, investing in technologies like AI, blockchain and advanced supplier relationship management systems to create intelligent and connected supply networks. The efforts help organizations improve operational predictability, strengthen collaboration and increase long-term value.

Social selling on platforms like LinkedIn is becoming essential for B2B sales as traditional outbound methods lose effectiveness, according to Daniel Kushner, CEO of Oktopost. Kushner emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency in building trust with potential buyers, noting that decision-makers are increasingly tuning out automated emails and calls. He suggests optimizing LinkedIn profiles, engaging with others and maintaining a consistent presence to build credibility, and notes that AI can support these efforts but cannot replace genuine interactions.

Small-business leaders have told a House committee that the federal government should help companies access skilled workers to reshore manufacturing quickly, calling for education programs starting in middle school. While some leaders praised recent tax cuts and efforts to streamline permitting processes, others called out the negative effect of tariffs and complex regulations.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the 43-day federal government shutdown resulted in a permanent $11 billion loss to the US economy. Bessent conceded that some interest rate-sensitive sectors, such as housing, have experienced recession-like conditions, but presented an upbeat outlook on the broader US economy. "I am very, very optimistic on 2026. We have set the table for a very strong, non-inflationary growth economy," Bessent said.

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