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IHA’s blog features informative posts written to keep the housewares industry educated and informed about key strategic issues and IHA member services.

IHA Tariff Webinar and New Reciprocal Tariffs

On March 27, the IHA Government Affairs team conducted the webinar, “Tariff Update from Washington, DC,” to provide basic information on President Trump’s tariffs. Executives from freight logistics services provider TQL Global, LLC, also provided their experience with the tariffs. The IHA webinar covered the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada; 20% tariffs on China; 25% tariffs…

Rate Levels: Uncertainty

We've seen some interesting movements in ocean freight rates lately. It seems like carrier capacity control has been a bit lacking since the Chinese New Year, with a 14% year-over-year increase in capacity. To get those spot rates back in line, carriers are starting to blank/void sailings, which is something we're already observing. And hold onto your hats, because carriers…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – April

March 31 – Williams-Sonoma Says Tariffs Present Opportunity Supply chain efficiencies and moving sourcing away from China are giving the home goods retailer a leg up. From: Supply Chain Dive March 31 – Numerator: Target’s Urban Growth Narrows the Gap with Suburban Shoppers The market researcher reported that 68% of Target customers are homeowners, with 39%…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – March

February 28 – Consumers Cautious of AI Amid Growing E-Commerce Integration 39% of consumers said they have abandoned purchases while shopping due to frustrating AI interactions, such as inaccurate recommendations or poor chatbot interactions. From: HomePage News February 28 – QVC Extends Rawlinson as CEO While Posting Non-Cash Q4 Loss The new employment agreement with…

U.S. Trade Actions Aimed at China’s Maritime Dominance: What It Means for Shippers

The U.S. government has proposed some major trade actions targeting China's dominance in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have been investigating this issue, and now things are heating up. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed some hefty fees on Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports. They're also…

Status Report on Trump Tariffs

Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Trump has issued tariffs for different countries and different products. Further confusing matters are the various starting dates and rates for the tariffs and the statutes by which President Trump can impose such tariffs. Following is a brief inventory of President Trump’s tariff announcements with the rates and starting dates and…

Contract vs. Spot Rates: Which Will Win in 2025-26?

As we head into 2025-26, the question on some shipper's mind is: contract or spot rates? While spot rates might seem tempting with their short-term savings, history shows that contract rates are the true winners of the long-term race. Don't be fooled by the lure of a few dollars saved today, as it could lead to millions lost down the road. Why Contract Rates Reign…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – February

January 31 – More Consumers to Celebrate Key Holidays Throughout 2025 Consumer intentions to celebrate the various holidays through the course of 2025 are up in nine of the 14 occasions the market researcher tracks, From: HomePage News January 31 – Costco Raises Pay for Hourly Employees The company will raise the hourly wage for employees at the top of its pay scale over…

Trump Actions on Tariffs, Trade and De Minimis Shipments

President Trump has issued hundreds of executive actions since his inauguration. Many were Executive Orders (EOs) rescinding Biden EOs or to initiate policies not needing congressional approval. On Feb. 1, Trump announced 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada (with Canadian energy resources at 10%), and 10% tariffs on products from China. All were scheduled to start…