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Global trade regulations are constantly evolving, creating uncertainty for businesses. Tariffs shift, export restrictions tighten, and supply chains face growing risks. Companies must navigate these challenges strategically to avoid disruptions. In a recent episode of the SCMR podcast Frictionless Supply Chain, trade expert Karen Murphy provided insights into how organizations can manage compliance, mitigate risk, and adapt to changing trade policies. Here are three key takeaways for businesses looking to maintain stability in an unpredictable trade environment.

1. Trade Compliance Is More Than Just Paperwork

Many companies think of trade compliance as filling out forms and waiting for approvals. But as Murphy explains, it’s much bigger than that. Compliance extends to software, intellectual property, and even casual conversations with foreign nationals.

“There’s a misconception that trade compliance only applies to physical products,” Murphy said. “In reality,…

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has finished a seven-year project to replace all 592 original steel suspender ropes on the George Washington Bridge, the busiest bridge in the world. This marks a major milestone in the agency’s larger $2 billion rehabilitation program, Restoring the George, aimed at keeping the nearly 100-year-old bridge safe for the next century.

The steel suspender ropes, which connect the bridge deck to the main cables, had been in place since the bridge first opened in 1931. Replacing them wasn’t just a swap-out job — it took years of careful planning and construction work, all while keeping the bridge open to traffic the entire time.

“Replacing all 592 suspender ropes on the George Washington Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering as we work to rehabilitate and renew nearly every major component of the world’s busiest bridge,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Over seven years, our teams diligently planned and w…

President Donald Trump announced he’s giving Mexico a temporary break from the new 25% tariffs that went into effect on Tuesday, saying the exemption will last until April 2. The break only applies to goods that follow the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules, the trade deal Trump signed during his first term.

Trump shared the news on Truth Social after talking with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. “I did this as an accommodation and out of respect for President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!” Trump posted.

Under USMCA, goods can move between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada without tariffs if they meet certain rules — like being mostly made in North America. For example, cars must be at least 75% North Americ…

Your Roadmap to Category Management Success in 2025

2025 will feel familiar, in some regards. The procurement and supply chain category management landscape will remain turbulent, with geopolitical tensions, worries over fresh tariffs and rising costs and supply chain disruptions posing significant challenges.

But you should also expect some lightning-fast changes in 2025 as artificial intelligence continues to upend the way enterprises and procurement, supply chain and category management professionals operate.

To prepare for all eventualities, grab your copy of the GEP Spend Category Outlook Report 2025. This must-have resource equips you with the insights you need to navigate this complex business environment. GEP’s team of experts provides a sneak peek into where 20 direct and indirect spend categories are headed in 2025.

During this podcast, Gross offered up various observations on the current state of the intermodal transportation market, on both a domestic and intermodal basis.

Topics covered included: new tariffs and their potential impact on intermodal; the current state of the freight economy; and the current state of intermodal service, among others. 

Larry Gross is a forty-year veteran of the freight transportation sector, and President of Gross Transportation Consulting in Durango, CO, an independent consulting practice specializing in freight transportation matters. He is the author and creator of “Intermodal in Depth,” an analytical report covering the intermodal sector.

Larry is an acknowledged expert on intermodal matters who makes frequent appearances before the transportation community. He has played a key role in the creation of educational content at the IANA Intermodal Expo for the past four years. He enjoys teaching and has authored …

According to a new Association of American Railroads (AAR) report, the U.S. freight rail industry generated $233.4 billion in total economic output in 2023. The report highlights freight rail’s vital role in supporting jobs, fueling trade, and keeping supply chains moving efficiently across the country.

Freight rail directly employed more than 153,000 workers last year, with those jobs supporting another 596,000 jobs in related industries. The industry supported nearly 750,000 jobs, delivering $66 billion in household income and contributing $25.1 billion in tax revenue.

The report also demonstrates freight rail’s role in global trade, noting that 38% of rail traffic is tied directly to imports and exports. This connection helps keep transportation costs lower for American businesses while ensuring efficient movement of goods between ports, factories, and distribution hubs.

“Freight railroads are the backbone of America’s supply …

Starting Tuesday, the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, following through on a threat from President Donald Trump that had been temporarily delayed. The decision comes after the administration concluded that both countries had not done enough to stop fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S.

In addition to tariffs on North American imports, the administration also confirmed plans to add a new 10% tariff on imports from China, citing concerns over China's role in fentanyl exports. In response, China is preparing to retaliate with tariffs targeting U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, grains, and meats. This recent escalation has immediate and long-term consequences for supply chains across multiple sectors.

Automakers Rethink Manufacturing Strategies

The automotive sector, with its deep ties to North American cross-border supply chains, will feel the impact first. Honda has already announced plans to…

Many companies publicly appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach to the looming risk of a tit-for-tat trade war. Yet beneath this surface-level calm, businesses are taking steps to mitigate potential disruptions. Western firms are rapidly accelerating plans to diversify their supply chains, especially for nearshore manufacturing, assembly, and distribution systems. European manufacturers remain especially vulnerable, as the sector has been contracting for nearly two years with no turnaround in sight, increasing pressure to protect domestic manufacturers from Asian imports.

In the U.S., where manufacturing accounts for just 12% of GDP, the greater concern is the potential revenue losses inside China from punitive actions - from sanctions to outright bans - and escalating trade tensions.

Drawing on our work with global companies across manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, software, technology, financial services, and a range …

How to Manage VAT Numbers for International Businesses

Key takeaways:

VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied at each stage of the supply chain, where value is added to a product or service. A VAT number is a unique identifier required for businesses in countries with VAT systems. These numbers enable businesses to charge, collect, and reclaim VAT. Businesses operating in VAT-collecting countries may need to register based on turnover thresholds, imports, or the type of goods/services offered, including digital products. Unlike a sales tax, businesses collect VAT at every stage of production and allow them to reclaim VAT on purchases. Not only does a VAT number ensure your business is compliant, but it also enhances your credibility. VAT numbers also make it possible for businesses to reclaim VATs paid, which will reduce their tax burden. Over 170 countries, including the EU, Canada, and Australia, use VAT systems with varying rates and regulations. The avera…

Since taking office in January, President Trump and his administration have made weekly and sometimes daily announcements on tariffs, whether for longtime trade partners or geopolitical rivals—most of which have not yet been imposed. Executives are left to wonder: Are these pronouncements a negotiating tactic to drive more favorable results for U.S. businesses and citizens or will they become business realities that companies will have to navigate? How should executives respond to the latest news cycles?

These developments have many of our supply chain clients whipsawing between business-as-usual complacency and panic, often in the span of a few days. For instance, when President Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, we woke up to over a thousand emails and 100 pings from clients and work colleagues, reflecting the shockwaves resonating throughout unprepared C-suites. But the market does not offer much forgiveness when e…

President Donald Trump has confirmed that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will take effect on March 4. This follows a month-long pause after both countries agreed to work with the U.S. on fentanyl trafficking concerns. Trump also announced a 10% tariff increase on Chinese imports next week and hinted at a 25% tariff on European Union goods.

In a Truth Social post-Thursday, Trump said drug trafficking from Canada and Mexico remains at “unacceptable levels,” justifying the tariffs' implementation. The move contradicts his earlier statement that the tariffs would take effect April 2, aligning with his broader reciprocal tariff policy.

Mexico Braces for Trade Shifts

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the announcement, stating her administration remains “cool-headed and optimistic” about reaching a deal with U.S. officials before the March 4 deadline. “We hope we are able to speak with President Trump once these meetings have happened,” Sheinbau…

More than 45,000 dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts have approved a new six-year contract, locking in higher wages, better benefits, and job security while avoiding a potential strike. A temporary deal was reached in October, and the final agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) takes effect on October 1, 2024, and runs through September 30, 2030.

The contract raises workers' base hourly pay from $39 to $63, a 62% wage increase over six years. This makes longshoremen among the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the country. The contract also accelerates wage growth for new hires, strengthens healthcare and retirement plans, and protects workers from automation—a major sticking point in negotiations.

ILA President Harold Daggett called it “the richest contract in our history”, emphasizing that the agreement avoids labor disruptions at ports handling over half of U.S. impo…