Tariffs stories

Master data is becoming a strategic tool as firms juggle tariffs, sustainability demands and supply chain compliance in a fast-changing trade landscape.

Chief executives' calls in Q1 2026 were dominated by AI, but references to Iran surged as boardrooms weighed war risks and supply chain exposure.

Ecommerce in 2026: AI shoppers, social sales and returns pressure push retailers to rethink data, compliance and cross-border growth.

AI‑driven planograms, AR tools and image recognition are reshaping UK store shelves, cutting costly stock gaps and boosting loyalty.

Distributors stockpile more inventory as a Phocas report warns planning gaps and data limits are raising costs and operational complexity.

Tariff hikes, AI adoption and regional supply chains are redrawing global trade as firms diversify sourcing and tighten working capital.

Generative AI surge set to push global enterprise IT spend to USD $4.96tr by 2026, as services and cloud outpace hardware and comms.

Global distributors, steering USD $180 billion in tech sales, are recasting how cloud and AI reach customers via platforms and new partners.

Unhedged FX hits UK firms for GBP £6.71m and US peers for USD $9.85m on average, spurring a renewed shift towards defensive hedging.

Spitfire launches dual-IMSI multi-network IoT SIM for UK firms, promising seamless failover, tighter security and tariffs from GBP £1 a month.

Rising cross-border trade complexity is pushing firms to delay expansion and lean on AI, as regulatory uncertainty reshapes global growth plans.

UK online parcels jumped 17% in late 2025 as pet care and beauty surged, even as fashion and homewares shipments slid, Scurri data shows.

LG posts record 2025 revenue of AUD 88.6 trillion but operating profit slips on U.S. tariffs, EV slowdown and one-off restructuring costs.

AiDeliv's reverse-auction marketplace is slashing ocean freight for small importers to an average of USD $0.65 per kilo, data shows.

Forrester flags cooler optimism for 2026 tech budgets as leaders juggle AI-driven investment plans with rising geopolitical and cyber risks.

AI will reshape risk, trust and compliance in 2026 as firms swap hype for embedded tools, tighter controls and higher regulatory scrutiny.

Loop Returns warns UK brands that neglected international returns risk eroding margins and loyalty as global eCommerce hits USD $6.3 trillion.

AiDeliv launches AI-driven reverse auction marketplace to shrink freight costs and give small importers upfront, all-in DDP shipping quotes.

CCL forecasts resilient global trade growth in 2026 as firms bolster supply chains and adapt logistics despite tariffs and geopolitical risks.

SMBs battling holiday shipping chaos can turn freight into a strategic edge with smarter tech, clearer pricing and centralised partners.