US Imports Hit Record High in March Straining Supply Chains

US Imports Hit Record High in March Straining Supply Chains

A Panjiva report indicates that US imports reached a record high in March, with significant year-over-year growth in both total cargo and container volume. This reflects a recovering US economy and strong consumer demand, but also exacerbates supply chain pressure, potentially leading to port congestion and increased transportation costs. Businesses and governments need to proactively respond by optimizing supply chain management and improving logistics efficiency.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Hit Record High As Supply Chains Improve

US Container Imports Hit Record High As Supply Chains Improve

US import data for February presents a mixed picture: a month-over-month decrease but a year-over-year increase in total volume. Record container throughput suggests easing supply chain bottlenecks. Energy imports surged, while consumer goods and industrial equipment imports rose. Raw materials and IT product imports declined. Looking ahead, challenges include inflation and geopolitical risks, but opportunities exist in economic recovery and infrastructure investment. Businesses and individuals should monitor data closely to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Imports Dip Slightly in August Amid Sustained High Demand

US Imports Dip Slightly in August Amid Sustained High Demand

Descartes' latest global shipping report reveals that US imports, while slightly down from July, remained high in August, with increased port congestion. The report analyzes import/export data from the top 10 US ports and key exporting countries, highlighting strong exports from China to the US. Businesses should diversify their supply chains, optimize transportation strategies, and leverage digital technologies to improve supply chain management. This will enable them to navigate market fluctuations and gain a competitive edge.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Patent Win Doesnt Shield Firms From High Legal Costs

US Patent Win Doesnt Shield Firms From High Legal Costs

In US patent litigation, winning a case doesn't automatically entitle you to attorney fees from the losing party. Shifting attorney fees requires proving malicious intent, abusive litigation, or fraudulent conduct by the opponent. Furthermore, the claimed fees must be reasonable. This system aims to balance litigation rights, prevent abuse of the legal process, and ensure financial remedies for parties subjected to malicious accusations. It creates a high bar for fee shifting, protecting parties from unwarranted financial burdens in patent disputes.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade to Hit Record High in 2024 Despite Tariffs

Global Trade to Hit Record High in 2024 Despite Tariffs

UNCTAD forecasts global trade to reach a new high of $33 trillion in 2024, driven primarily by services. Developed economies are leading the growth, while developing economies face pressure, with significant divergence across sectors. The report warns of potential tariff policy risks from the US, and recommends that countries diversify trade, strengthen innovation and cooperation to address challenges and seize opportunities. The aim is to promote sustainable global trade development.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Services Sector Growth Hits Near Oneyear High in February

US Services Sector Growth Hits Near Oneyear High in February

The U.S. ISM Non-Manufacturing NMI index surged to 59.7 in February, a near one-year high, marking the 109th consecutive month of growth. This data, released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), signals a robust expansion in U.S. non-manufacturing activity. This positive trend may alleviate concerns about a potential economic slowdown and provide sustained momentum for the overall economy. The significant increase suggests continued strength in the services sector, a key driver of U.S. economic growth.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Service Sector Hits Record High in July Faces Challenges

US Service Sector Hits Record High in July Faces Challenges

The July ISM Services PMI reached a record high, signaling significant market potential. The report highlights the strong underlying growth in the service sector while also pointing to challenges related to supply chains, labor, and inflation. Businesses should optimize their supply chains, control costs, attract talent, embrace digitalization, and collaborate with suppliers to address these challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable growth. The record PMI suggests robust economic activity, but navigating these hurdles is crucial for continued success.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truck Driver Shortage Disrupts Supply Chains Amid High Turnover

US Truck Driver Shortage Disrupts Supply Chains Amid High Turnover

The American Trucking Associations reports a persistently rising truck driver turnover rate, particularly among large carriers. This exacerbates the existing driver shortage, posing a threat to supply chain stability. The industry is actively responding by increasing compensation, improving working conditions, and implementing various strategies to attract and retain talent, thereby safeguarding the economic lifeline. The driver shortage and high turnover are key challenges impacting the efficiency and reliability of freight transportation across the US.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Supply Chain Strains Amid Truck Driver Shortage High Turnover

US Supply Chain Strains Amid Truck Driver Shortage High Turnover

The US trucking industry faces a high driver turnover crisis, with large freight companies experiencing rates as high as 90%. Contributing factors include industry models, the ELD mandate, and difficulties in obtaining a CDL. Analysts predict potential increases in freight rates or a shift towards intermodal transportation. Solutions involve improving driver compensation and working conditions, embracing new technologies, and streamlining regulations. Addressing these issues is crucial to mitigating the freight crisis and controlling rising logistics costs.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Service Sector Hits Record High Amid Strong Economic Growth

US Service Sector Hits Record High Amid Strong Economic Growth

The U.S. ISM Non-Manufacturing Index (NMI) surged to 58.6 in August, a record high, according to the Institute for Supply Management. This is well above the expansion/contraction threshold and the past 12-month average, signaling the 44th consecutive month of growth in the U.S. non-manufacturing sector, providing strong momentum for economic expansion. All sub-indexes performed strongly, reflecting overall economic health. However, this could also exacerbate inflationary pressures, which the Federal Reserve will likely monitor closely.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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