US e-commerce platforms struggle to rein in counterfeit products

The USPTO says application volume has been overwhelming for the agency and has made it increasingly difficult to verify trademark claims.

By Morgan Forde • July 23, 2019

New bill would increase access to capital for small manufacturers

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, and Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY, introduced the legislation earlier this week saying it will make loans more available for manufacturers and provide incentives for them to grow.

By Matt Leonard • July 17, 2019

Industrial water use down nearly 43% since 1985

The United States Geological Survey credits regulations for the drop in water use in industrial and public supply over the last decade.

By Matt Leonard • July 16, 2019

Port of LA Harbor Commission stands by initial vote to approve Maersk terminal automation

The vote came after the Los Angeles City Council vetoed the board's previous decision to allow APM Terminals to use automated cargo handlers.

By Morgan Forde • July 12, 2019

Commerce Department seeks comment on online counterfeits

The department is looking for recommendations on how best to stop the sale of fraudulent items through online third-party marketplaces. 

By Matt Leonard • July 11, 2019

Textile sourcing from India, South Korea grows with trade war underway

Sourcing from China went up also, but large jumps in other countries are likely signs of buyers seeking alternative supply sources to avoid tariffs. 

By Matt Leonard • July 10, 2019

Long-term contracts leave US pork suppliers out of tariff aid

Many American producers will see no benefit from a government purchase contract since the affected farmers already have long-term contracts with JBS, the processor that won the bid.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 9, 2019

California Senate could hand port automation approvals to the state

The bill says the State Lands Commission, which would take on the task of approving projects, should consider potential job losses when deciding whether an automation project should be approved. 

By Matt Leonard • Updated July 10, 2019

The complexities of 'Made in America'

Maker Katie Stack explains the difficulties of being a small business owner during a game of political chicken over tariffs. 

By Kaarin Moore • July 3, 2019

Report: Supply chains cause 40% of food waste in North America

As companies and countries move forward with plans to reduce food waste, they'll need better data.

By Matt Leonard • July 2, 2019

US proposes tariffs on $4B EU imports

The latest duties comprise a supplemental list, adding on to tariffs proposed in April on $21 billion worth of goods, covering several food products and whiskey.

By Shefali Kapadia • July 2, 2019

$16.5M settlement in XPO misclassification suit gets preliminary approval

A federal judge approved the agreement last week. Payout amounts for 847 plaintiffs will be based on their time working with XPO.

By Matt Leonard • July 2, 2019

Consumer sentiment fell in June amid tariff threats

One measure of confidence found that it had fallen to its lowest levels since September 2017. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 1, 2019

Port of LA sued after canceling container hub agreement

The contract was reportedly aborted after the Harbor Performance Enhancement Center was unable to gain support from the local union.

By Matt Leonard • July 1, 2019

LA City Council vetoes APM Terminals' automation permit

The permit will now go back to the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commission which will look more closely at the economic impact.

By Matt Leonard • July 1, 2019

Trump: US won't impose tariffs on $300B Chinese goods 'for the time being'

China and the U.S. will resume negotiations and avoid a further escalation of the trade war "for at least the time being," Trump said.

By Shefali Kapadia • June 29, 2019

4 arguments from 7 days of USTR tariff hearings

More than 300 witnesses testified across 55 panels, detailing the purpose and problems with the proposed list four tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods.

By Shefali Kapadia , Emma Cosgrove , Matt Leonard , Morgan Forde • June 28, 2019

How the food industry has weathered an unpredictable 2 years of Trump's trade tactics

With new tariffs announced in tweets, trade agreements awaiting approval and mixed signals from the White House, the last two years have been filled with ups and downs.

By Lillianna Byington • June 26, 2019

Tesla receives 1-year tariff exclusion on Japanese aluminum imports

The decision is a victory for the company, which uses aluminum to manufacture its car batteries. 

By Morgan Forde • June 26, 2019

US Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to steel tariffs

The American Institute for International Steel, Sim-Tex and Kurt Orban Partners petitioned the court saying President Trump's steel tariffs are unconstitutional.

By Morgan Forde • June 25, 2019

DC launches curb space pilot for commercial deliveries

Curbside parking will be removed for 12 weeks in parts of the city to study curb utilization and safety through a partnership with curbFlow.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 25, 2019

UPS will not join FedEx in Commerce Dept. suit

"FedEx is a transportation company, not a law enforcement agency," the carrier said in a statement regarding its lawsuit against the U.S. Commerce Department over trade policy enforcement. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated June 25, 2019

NRF: List 4 tariffs 'too large' for retailers to absorb

In testimony, NRF's David French said capacity doesn't exist for retailers to move sourcing away from China, resulting in billions of dollars in increased costs for consumers. 

By Matt Leonard • June 24, 2019

J.C. Penney and Macy's decry tariffs, warn of price hikes

Proposed import taxes would fall disproportionately on women, who are Penney's core shoppers, and would leave retailers with few short-term options.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 21, 2019

Port of LA Harbor Commission approves automation project despite union criticism

The fight isn't over as City Councilman Joe Buscaino plans to challenge the permit through a process known as "asserting jurisdiction." 

By Matt Leonard • June 20, 2019