Industry Resources

Learn about IHA’s cost-saving programs, including the International Housewares Shippers Association, designed to help members grow their business!

U.S. Imports from Asia Continue to Nosedive

U.S. imports from Asia have plummeted over the last few months. The month of September alone declined 10.4% versus August. Forecasters do not see any improvement for imports when October imports are finalized. Industry experts are now projecting that imports will continue to decline through the end of the year. It’s hard to comprehend how quickly the Asia-to-U.S. market has…

Labor Relations Regulatory Update

The Biden Administration’s regulatory agenda will face Republican scrutiny in the next Congress by way of oversight hearings and a stream of information requests to agency heads between hearings from committee chairs. Administration proposals concerning labor (employee) relations will be one of the more controversial areas based on Republican concerns that they will create more…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – October

October 31 – Ross Stores Open 40 Stores The new outposts complete Ross’ growth plans for fiscal 2022, which called for the addition of 99 new stores. From: Chain Store Age October 28 – Target to Carry Marks & Spencer Holiday Items The limited-time partnership offers highly giftable, on-trend products at value prices. From: Progressive Grocer October 28 – Wegmans…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – September

September 30 – Walmart Insists Distribution Can Handle the Holidays The Walmart supply chain has been challenged, the company admitted in a blog post, but the company has been able to deal with congestion and inflation so that it is ready for the holiday season. From: HomePage News September 30 – Qurate Names Veteran Supply Chain Exec Barnhart COO\ Qurate Retail Group…

Tariff Update

In early September, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it had received comments from a number of entities supporting a continuation of the Section 301 tariffs on products produced in China. This culminates the first phase of USTR’s statutorily mandated “review of necessity” for Sec. 301 tariffs before they expire after four years. However, by September’s end, USTR…

Ocean Rates Reflecting Weak Demand

The fourth quarter of 2022 is shaping up to be a challenging time for both carriers and shippers. This same time last year, shippers were faced with record high rate levels and lack of space on containerships. Carriers were flush with cash and able to choose the cargo they wanted to manage. As we enter Q4 2022, the Asia to U.S. market has taken a 180-degree turn. Container…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – August

August 31 – Hy-Vee to Hold Next Quarterly ‘Best of Local Brands’ Summit This year, Hy-Vee is focused on identifying suppliers with diverse backgrounds and urges minority-owned and women-owned businesses to apply for the quarterly summits From: Progressive Grocer August 31 – Dollar General Makes Additional Leadership Changes Dollar General announced several leadership…

Ocean Rates are Officially on the Decline

There is no longer denying that the Asia to U.S. market is showing signs of weakness. Major retailers have distribution centers that are already at capacity, so purchase orders are being delayed or cancelled altogether. Usually during the months of September and October, shippers are forced to pay peak season surcharges to secure space on vessels. That will not be the case…

Federal Spending, Taxes, Inflation and Interest Rates

According to many economists, a major contributor to inflation in the U.S. economy is federal spending. Congress had already spent $3 trillion in 2020 responding to the pandemic when Democrats took the reins and passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in March 2021. This was done despite warnings from economists including former Obama officials who feared more big…