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

Executive Summary

Today's digest reveals a landscape of cautious navigation across the supply chain, retail, and international trade sectors. The supply chain is grappling with a significant contraction as weak freight demand triggers facility closures and job cuts, with UPS announcing the closure of 22 package facilities. Despite this, there is a prevailing sense of cautious optimism for 2026, with carriers anticipating a return to pricing power. In the retail sector, consumer financial health is a primary concern, with 66% of consumers having delayed significant purchases last year. Major retailers like Target and Walmart are contemplating price hikes of up to 10% to offset inflation and supply chain costs. In international trade, the economic impact of US tariffs remains a contentious issue, with a New York Fed study indicating that US businesses and consumers bear 90% of the cost. The IMF has called on China to halve its industrial subsidies amidst growing concerns over global overcapacity.

 

Today's Top Headlines

Supply Chain & Logistics

      Weak freight demand triggers facility closures, job cuts across supply chain

        Norfolk Southern, CMA CGM launch new 'truck-like' intermodal service

        FedEx doubles down on premium e-commerce, delivery surcharges

        J.B. Hunt 'a little bit more positive'

        California, Texas account for 58% of US cargo theft in 2025

Retail

    Consumer Financial Sentiment Mixed - Closing the Credit Gap Study

    Target, Walmart, Other Retailers Could See Price Hikes

     Amazon Shelves Blue Jay Warehouse Robot

     Target Holding Line on Store Pay

     Buffalo Wild Wings False Advertising Suit Dismissed

 

International Trade

    Who's afraid of the big bad trade deficit?

    IMF calls on China to halve industrial subsidies

    Trump adviser says NY Fed economists should be 'disciplined' for study on tariffs

    Who pays for the US tariffs? The answer may not surprise you

    US and Japan unveil first mega-projects under $550bn deal

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