The $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will create the first transcontinental railroad network in the U.S. While leadership claims operational efficiencies will result, shippers are concerned about potential cost increases and reduced market competition. The future of the freight industry faces numerous challenges amid this merger.
Ivalua's latest survey reveals that despite geopolitical risks, U.S. supply chain leaders demonstrate strong resilience and readiness by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Innovation and technology investment have become key strategies for businesses in navigating new trade policies and international instability.
According to a recent Gartner survey, only 23% of supply chain leaders have a formal AI strategy. Most businesses focus on short-term investments while neglecting long-term planning, which may hinder future development. To enhance competitiveness, companies should formulate a systematic strategy that balances short-term benefits with long-term goals.
According to the Association of American Railroads, June showed positive growth in U.S. rail freight volume, although cross-border freight experienced a decline. This trend reflects the complex changes in the economic environment, with a year-on-year increase in total load during the first half of the year. Future market dynamics will depend on fluctuations in global supply chains and consumer demand.
In July, the manufacturing PMI index fell to 48.0, remaining in a contraction phase for five consecutive months. This indicates weak market confidence, and businesses are facing significant challenges that require timely strategic adjustments to cope.
The 2025 Argos Sustainable Marine Fuels Conference will take place from September 10 to 12 in Houston, gathering over 300 industry executives to explore policies, fuel options, and compliance related to sustainable development in the shipping sector, providing guidance for future green shipping initiatives.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) actively engages in global trade governance, advocating for support of the multilateral trading system, particularly for the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The ICC urges nations to reduce trade barriers and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs to achieve sustainable economic development.
During the 60th anniversary celebration in Singapore, the International Chamber of Commerce advocated for the recovery of global trade, emphasizing the need for countries and businesses to strengthen cooperation. It called for the promotion of open markets, innovation, and sustainable development, while sharing successful experiences to address complex international challenges.
Under the strategic framework of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) from 2022 to 2025, the focus is on women's empowerment, global market access, digital transformation, and business sustainability, aiming to enhance the business environment and development capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The International Chamber of Commerce's principles for sustainable trade and trade finance provide a framework for assessing the sustainability of trade, focusing on environmental and socioeconomic development. The principles aim to direct funding toward sustainable trade by clearly defining standards, reducing the risk of greenwashing, and supporting a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
