Global Trade Uncertainty Challenges Businesses Amid Economic Shifts

Global Trade Uncertainty Challenges Businesses Amid Economic Shifts

The Global Trade Pulse Report reveals a mixed outlook for the global economy. The IMF and OECD have lowered economic growth forecasts, with North American trade data declining, while European exports show strong performance. High inventory-to-sales ratios remain a concern. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, flexibly adjust supply chain and inventory management, expand online sales channels, and strengthen risk management to cope with uncertainties.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Firms Transform Pandemic Inventory Glut into Strategic Advantage

Firms Transform Pandemic Inventory Glut into Strategic Advantage

In the post-pandemic era, inventory pile-up has become a new challenge for supply chains. A reader survey by *Logistics Management* reveals that companies face the dual dilemma of high and low inventory levels. Diversified procurement, enhanced communication, and accurate forecasting are key to resolving the inventory crisis. Lean inventory management will help companies improve supply chain resilience and embrace the new market normal.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truck Tariffs Boost Domestic Industry Amid Cost Concerns

US Truck Tariffs Boost Domestic Industry Amid Cost Concerns

The US policy imposing a 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks has officially taken effect, aiming to protect domestic manufacturing and bolster national security. However, this move could lead to increased truck prices, supply chain disruptions, and heightened uncertainty for freight carriers. Experts analyze that the policy's impact will vary across different businesses, potentially accelerating manufacturing reshoring but also posing challenges related to labor and infrastructure.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Sector Must Adapt Digitally or Risk Decline

Logistics Sector Must Adapt Digitally or Risk Decline

The logistics industry faces both challenges and opportunities in the digital transformation era. A coordinated approach encompassing strategy, structure, and processes is crucial for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and meeting evolving customer expectations. Key focus areas include achieving on-time delivery and minimizing damage. Embracing digital solutions is essential for optimizing supply chain management and maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly changing logistics landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to Streamlining Warehouse Logistics for Efficiency

Guide to Streamlining Warehouse Logistics for Efficiency

This paper delves into the key elements of warehouse planning, including warehouse type selection, geographical location layout, design optimization, streamlined operational processes, technology application, equipment configuration, and human resource management. It aims to assist companies in building efficient warehouses, improving logistics efficiency, reducing operating costs, and ultimately enhancing market competitiveness. The study provides insights into optimizing warehouse operations for improved overall supply chain performance.

01/21/2026 Warehousing
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Hours of Service Rule Revision Delayed Amid Democratic Pushback

Hours of Service Rule Revision Delayed Amid Democratic Pushback

House Democrats are calling for a comprehensive review of the new Hours of Service (HOS) rules for truck drivers, potentially delaying their implementation. This could significantly impact the freight market and millions of truck drivers. The proposed review highlights concerns about the potential safety and economic consequences of the new regulations, prompting a closer examination of their impact on the trucking industry and the broader supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Cass Freight Index Drop Signals Economic Slowdown

Cass Freight Index Drop Signals Economic Slowdown

The Cass Freight Index indicates a year-over-year decline in both freight volumes and expenditures for December, reflecting weak market demand and excess capacity. Companies should address these challenges through supply chain optimization, lean inventory management, and digital transformation. Despite the current market headwinds, factors such as economic recovery and infrastructure development hold the potential to drive a turnaround in the freight market.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Strike Looms As Teamsters Talks Stall

UPS Strike Looms As Teamsters Talks Stall

Negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters union have stalled, with the union demanding a final offer from UPS by June 30th or face potentially the largest strike in US history. A strike would severely impact the US supply chain and could lead to price increases. Whether the two sides can reach an agreement before the deadline to avert a strike is being closely watched.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Prologis Report Highlights Industrial Real Estate Resilience

Prologis Report Highlights Industrial Real Estate Resilience

The Prologis IBI index indicates that while the US industrial real estate market faces challenges, it remains resilient overall. Slower development may lead to tighter supply in the future. Utilization rates need improvement, and leasing activity is expected to increase. Companies need to optimize space utilization, focus on supply chain efficiency, adapt flexibly to market changes, and embrace technological innovation to succeed in a competitive market.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Tariffs Trigger Sharp Drop in Global Shipping Rates

New Tariffs Trigger Sharp Drop in Global Shipping Rates

Recently, the SCFI freight index from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange has continuously decreased, particularly along the West and East Coast routes of the U.S., with significant rate declines. Soft demand, coupled with the upcoming implementation of new tariff policies, presents fresh challenges and uncertainties for the market. Shipping companies are closely monitoring the impact of tariffs on import prices and the economy, anticipating large-scale shifts in the supply chain.

07/07/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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