Here are the top stories shaping the world of commerce today. For deeper analysis, data, and strategic insights, upgrade to our Premium Digest.

Today's digest highlights a landscape of significant economic recalibration and strategic realignment across key sectors. In supply chain and logistics, the market is grappling with a deepening freight downturn, marked by a paradoxical rise in freight rates amidst falling shipment volumes, leading to a surge in bankruptcies. The retail industry is witnessing a stark divergence in performance, with Walmart solidifying its market leadership while Target faces significant operational and financial headwinds. Concurrently, the fast-fashion sector is under increased regulatory scrutiny in Europe. In international trade, a new era of strategic industrial partnerships is emerging, exemplified by the landmark US-Japan trade deal, while geopolitical tensions are accelerating the diversification of global energy flows, as seen in Canada's pivot to Asian oil markets.

•      Freight Downturn Deepens as Bankruptcies Mount

•        Contradictory Market Signals: Rates Rise as Volumes Fall

•        UPS Initiates Major Network Consolidation

•        Medlog Opens Major Integrated Logistics Park in Saudi Arabia

•        AIT Worldwide Logistics Acquired by Greenbriar Equity Group

•        Trade Organization Warns USMCA Exit Could Jeopardize Millions of US Jobs

•     Performance Gulf Widens Between Walmart and Target

•    EU Launches Formal Investigation into Shein

•    US and Japan Announce First Projects Under $550bn Trade Deal

•     Canada Pivots Oil Exports to Asia Amid US Trade Tensions

•     US Signals Flexibility on Steel and Aluminium Tariffs

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