US Retailers Face Holiday Season Challenges Amid Import Boom Port Strikes

US Retailers Face Holiday Season Challenges Amid Import Boom Port Strikes

Despite potential strike risks at East and Gulf Coast ports, U.S. import volume has surged, driven by retailers preparing for the holiday season. The increase is attributed to concerns about strikes, anticipation of tariff hikes, and proactive retail inventory strategies. Retailers should be aware of potential port congestion and warehousing pressures. Diversifying port choices and planning transportation in advance are crucial strategies to ensure supply chain stability and mitigate potential disruptions.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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October Freight Market Faces Uncertainty and Opportunity ATA

October Freight Market Faces Uncertainty and Opportunity ATA

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) October report indicates that freight volume was temporarily pressured by Hurricane Sandy, but may benefit from post-disaster reconstruction in the long term. The economic environment is complex, with weak retail sales coexisting with a manufacturing rebound. Experts advise caution and flexibility, emphasizing risk management, technology adoption, and sustainable development. Companies should focus on these areas to seize opportunities and meet challenges ahead.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Industrial Real Estate Vacancy Rates Hit Record Lows

US Industrial Real Estate Vacancy Rates Hit Record Lows

The US industrial real estate market remains hot, with vacancy rates hitting record lows, primarily driven by e-commerce demand. CBRE anticipates a slowdown in growth in the future, but long-term demand is expected to remain strong. Regional market performance varies significantly, with cities like New Haven and Tucson attracting particular attention. The sustained demand reflects the ongoing shift towards online retail and the need for efficient distribution networks.

Consumer Goods Firms Optimize Sales and Operations Planning

Consumer Goods Firms Optimize Sales and Operations Planning

This paper delves into the critical role of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) within the Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail (CPG&R) industry. In the face of rapidly changing markets, companies need to optimize their S&OP processes to improve demand forecast accuracy, optimize supply chain and production planning, and foster cross-functional collaboration. Dassault Systèmes' S&OP solution can help companies achieve these goals, thereby improving operational efficiency and profitability.

WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

The WCO emphasized the crucial role of customs talent development in economic growth at a Paris seminar. Participants shared experiences and called for sustained investment in customs training and capacity building. The seminar highlighted how skilled customs officials contribute to efficient trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security, ultimately fostering economic development. The WCO urged member administrations to prioritize customs training programs to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to national economic prosperity. Continuous investment in human capital is key to modernizing customs administrations and achieving sustainable economic growth.

Shopee Lazada Boost Seller Programs in Latam Southeast Asia

Shopee Lazada Boost Seller Programs in Latam Southeast Asia

Shopee continues to increase its investment in the Latin American market, projecting an investment of $1.5 billion with the goal of capturing 20% of the Brazilian e-commerce market share by 2025. Lazada has launched a Preferred Seller program, offering benefits such as traffic support to high-performing sellers. Amazon has expanded its Transparency program to combat counterfeit goods, while eBay has added certified docking warehouses to optimize logistics services. These initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to improve seller performance, combat fraud, and enhance the overall e-commerce experience.

Pinduoduos Q3 Profit Jumps Sixfold Amid Temu Global Push

Pinduoduos Q3 Profit Jumps Sixfold Amid Temu Global Push

Pinduoduo's Q3 earnings report reveals a nearly 6-fold surge in net profit, primarily driven by growth in online marketing services and transaction services revenue, coupled with reduced losses in Duoduo Maicai. Pinduoduo has significantly increased its investment in marketing and R&D, particularly substantial investments in its overseas platform, Temu, demonstrating its global expansion ambitions. While Temu is not focused on profitability in the short term, its future performance will directly impact Pinduoduo's overall financial results. The report highlights Pinduoduo's strategic shift towards global markets and increased investment in technology.

Smes Adopt Sustainability but Lack Green Logistics Funding

Smes Adopt Sustainability but Lack Green Logistics Funding

A recent DHL Express survey reveals that while SMEs generally value sustainability, their actual investment in sustainable logistics remains relatively low. The report highlights the challenges SMEs face in implementing sustainable logistics strategies and emphasizes relevant solutions offered by DHL Express. The report calls for stronger collaboration to build a green logistics ecosystem and provides SMEs with practical advice for transitioning to sustainable logistics practices. It underscores the gap between SMEs' aspirations for environmental responsibility and their current actions in logistics, urging for increased commitment and investment in greener solutions.

Trustwell TPG Rise Boost Food Supply Chain Transparency

Trustwell TPG Rise Boost Food Supply Chain Transparency

Trustwell received investment from TPG Rise to jointly build a transparent and safe food supply chain. The Trustwell Connect platform assists food companies in their digital transformation, enhancing food safety and efficiency. This investment will enable Trustwell to further expand its platform and reach, helping more food businesses improve traceability and build consumer trust. The focus remains on leveraging technology to create a more resilient and secure food system, from farm to table. Ultimately, Trustwell aims to empower consumers with greater confidence in the safety and origin of their food.

US Manufacturing Rebounds As Services Sector Expands ISM

US Manufacturing Rebounds As Services Sector Expands ISM

The latest ISM report indicates moderate growth in US manufacturing and robust expansion in the service sector for 2024. Manufacturing saw accelerated capital expenditure but slightly weaker revenue growth. Conversely, the service sector demonstrated strong growth in both revenue and investment. The report forecasts continued growth in both manufacturing and service industries for 2025, albeit with persistent internal structural differences. While manufacturing is investing, revenue lags. The service sector shows strength across the board. This divergence suggests varied supply chain pressures and investment strategies for the coming year.