US retail sales edged down 0.3% month-over-month in May, but remained up 8.1% year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s core retail sales, excluding automobiles, were flat month-over-month and up 6.7% year-over-year. The data indicates a slowdown in retail growth, but the overall consumer trend remains upward. It is necessary to pay attention to the impact of future policies and economic conditions.
The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed picture of the US rail freight market. For the week ending December 6th, carload traffic increased by 1.7% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 5.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.8% increase in both carload and container volume. The report highlights the contrasting trends within the rail freight sector, analyzes the underlying causes, and forecasts future developments. This provides valuable insights for business operations and economic development in the US.
The US federal fuel tax hasn't been adjusted since 1993, leading to chronic funding shortfalls for the Highway Trust Fund. Former President Trump proposed raising the fuel tax, but faced political opposition. This article explores the necessity and feasibility of increasing the fuel tax and emphasizes the importance of finding long-term solutions to support US infrastructure development. It highlights the ongoing debate surrounding sustainable funding mechanisms for maintaining and improving America's transportation network, given the current tax's inadequacy and the growing infrastructure needs.
Despite the U.S. port labor agreement averting a potential shutdown, concerns about future tariff increases continue to drive a surge in U.S. imports. Retailers are stockpiling inventory to mitigate potential tariff hikes and supply chain disruptions, leading to a significant increase in import volumes. The report forecasts fluctuating import volumes in the coming months, influenced by factors like the Lunar New Year. The long-term impact remains to be seen as businesses adjust to the evolving trade landscape and potential tariff changes.
Bloomchic rapidly rose in the US plus-size women's clothing market, securing investment from L Catterton, due to its precise market positioning and differentiated strategies. Key to its success are comprehensive size coverage, differentiated design in fit, pain-point marketing, and social media influencer promotion, conveying positive brand values. Moving forward, diversified development will be crucial for Bloomchic to maintain its competitiveness.
The US Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) has risen for five consecutive months, but different modes of transport show divergent performance, revealing underlying structural issues despite overall growth. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the January TSI, exploring the current situation and future prospects for trucking, rail, air, water, and pipeline transportation. It also offers actionable strategies for supply chain managers to navigate these complex dynamics and mitigate potential risks.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for cross-border e-commerce sellers on shipping small appliances to the US. It covers logistics options, postal service analysis, FBA logistics software recommendations, common overseas logistics practices, and shipping precautions. It also details specific requirements for small appliance exports, such as product certification, voltage standards, labeling instructions, and tariffs, helping you safely and compliantly expand into the US market. The guide aims to equip sellers with the necessary knowledge to navigate the complexities of exporting small appliances to the United States.
This article delves into the timeliness of product warehousing and listing on Amazon US. It provides comprehensive strategies for boosting sales, covering precise pricing, efficient logistics, listing optimization, participation in promotional activities, improved customer service, and effective advertising. The aim is to help sellers shorten listing times, increase product visibility, and ultimately achieve sales growth.
This article delves into the various advantages of using air freight for Amazon FBA shipments to the United States, including fast transit times, high reliability, flexible solutions, sales promotion, and adaptability to special cargo. Opting for air freight allows sellers to seize market opportunities more quickly, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately gain a competitive edge in the fierce e-commerce landscape. By prioritizing speed and reliability, businesses can optimize their supply chains and improve overall performance within the Amazon ecosystem.
U.S. rail freight data for the first week of September 2020 shows strong container traffic, up 24.8% year-over-year. Traditional carload traffic declined by 6.9% compared to the same period last year. The decline was mainly due to decreased shipments of coal, nonmetallic minerals, and metallic ores, while grain, and motor vehicles & parts saw increases. Year-to-date figures indicate declines in both carload and container traffic, reflecting the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
