Retailers say supply chains are back to normal. That's good news for holiday shopping season.

Nov 5, 2024
And all of those supply chain issues during the pandemic taught some businesses valuable lessons.
The Logistics Managers’ Index found that warehousing and transportation grew across the board last month.
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A dockworkers strike is days away. What would it mean for the economy?

The deadline for negotiations between the union representing dockworkers and the ports is next week.
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What wholesale inventories tell us about the upcoming holiday shopping season

Sep 17, 2024
Things seem to be reverting to a pre-pandemic normal, say analysts.
"We’ve now been able to go back to just-in-time inventory management," said Zac Rogers at Colorado State University.
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New vessels expected to lead to lower ocean shipping rates

Aug 12, 2024
Rates have come down slightly in the last few weeks,
Cargo ships often take two and a half years to build.
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Small businesses could see big gains by boosting productivity

And they can achieve that through better collaboration with companies big and small in their industries.
"Small businesses are, really, the backbone of the economy in so many ways," says McKinsey's Anu Madgavkar.
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How crews on cargo ships stranded in Baltimore are working to maintain good "seafarer culture"

Apr 5, 2024
Ship crews are used to a life in motion. Now the mostly international workers could be stuck in port for weeks.
Captain Prachya Prengsieng stands aboard the Phatra Naree, a cargo ship with a crew from Thailand. It’s docked right next to the collapsed Key Bridge, and can’t leave the Port of Baltimore.
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Despite problems in the Red Sea and Panama Canal, shipping costs are falling

Feb 19, 2024
Carriers are figuring out how to reduce risk and deal with disruptions caused by the Houthis' attacks and low water levels in shipping lanes.
The international shipping industry appears to have been able to manage the risks posed by recent disruptions.
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For public good, not for profit.

The scariest part of Halloween: supply chains

Oct 2, 2023
Consumers may spend a record $12.2 billion this year — that's the treat. But sellers may need tricks to bring their goods to market.
Analysts expect monster Halloween sales this year.
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After three turbulent years, supply chains are finally back to normal

May 17, 2023
Three years after the start of the pandemic, inventories are down and supply chains are less volatile.
Shipping containers are loaded onto ships in the Port of Los Angeles.
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The price of lumber is way down, but that won't do much to bring down new home prices

Apr 7, 2023
Lumber prices have stabilized after unprecedented volatility.
Stacks of lumber are offered for sale at a home center in Chicago, Illinois. Prices for lumber have recently come down from pandemic highs.
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