Industry Resources

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

August Tariff Roundup

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — On July 31, President Trump announced new reciprocal tariffs on some 70 countries effective on August 7. The following list (Annex 1) is linked to the Executive Order: The European Union and Vietnam On July 28, President Trump announced a trade deal with the European Union, which agreed to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy…

Navigating the Tides: Understanding Ocean Container Costs and Future Outlook

by Craig Akers, IHSA For businesses reliant on global supply chains, understanding ocean container costs is vital. At International Housewares Shipper's Association (IHSA), we empower our members with insights into the multifaceted factors that drive these dynamic rates. It's far more than a flat fee; it's a blend of core charges and volatile surcharges influenced by global…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – August

July 28 – Altuzarra Collection Enlivens West Elm Kids Assortment The collection, part of the West Elm Kids lineup, includes layette and kids’ merchandise featuring Altuzarra’s own hand-drawn botanical illustrations on many items. From: HomePage News July 28 – Walmart Hires Instacart Exec to Drive AI, Tech Innovation Walmart has hired a new executive to help it…

Navigating “China Plus One”

The "China Plus One" program is a business strategy, originally adopted by multinational corporations to diversify their supply chains and manufacturing operations beyond China, while still maintaining a presence in the country. It's essentially about not putting all your eggs in one basket, particularly when that basket is China. Where Did It Originate? The concept of…

Six Month Review of Trump 2.0 Policies

Several policy initiatives in the first months of the Trump Administration have caused economic uncertainty affecting businesses. Some have reached closure like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R 1), which is a positive for IHA members, but tariffs continue to be a thorny issue. The velocity of tariffs imposed by President Trump on nearly all countries has obviously caused…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – July

June 30 – Study Assesses Potential Holiday Tariff Impact Among Suppliers, Sellers, Consumers The Coupa research study revealed 84% of U.S. consumers cited cost over quality and variety as the most important factor when shopping. From: HomePage News June 30 – Dollar General Temporarily Drops Prices on 1K Items During Summer Sale Dollar General recently reduced prices…

Navigating a Dynamic Landscape in China and Southeast Asia

The evolving landscape in China and Southeast Asia, while presenting new complexities, also offers opportunities for IHA and IHSA members to adapt and succeed. This year's contract negotiations, although responses by carriers were later than usual, may provide valuable insights that could enhance our future strategies and lead our carriers toward a course correction. We…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – June

May 30 – Variety Wholesalers Plans Final Wave of Big Lots Reopening’s on June 5 The success of the Big Lots reopening effort has spurred the retailers new owner, Variety Wholesalers, to explore options for acquiring additional Big Lots locations, the parent company said. From: HomePage News May 30 – Placer.ai: Are Malls Cool Again? Empty anchor implants like…

Tariff and Tax Policy Developments: IEEPA and Higher Steel Tariffs

On May 28, 2025, the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled unanimously to end President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs. The three-judge panel found IEEPA did not grant unbound authority to tax imports from nearly every country around the world. No president had tried to use 1977’s IEEPA for tariffs perhaps because it doesn’t mention…