Tariffs, Trade & US Manufacturing: Key Insights

Tariff Policy, Loan Access & AI-Led Branding

Trump’s New Tariff Order Targets Trade Deficits

President Trump extended and expanded his reciprocal tariff policy, hitting imports from 15 countries—including Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Bangladesh—with rates up to 40%, effective August 1, 2025. This move aims to shrink the historic US goods trade deficit and push foreign manufacturers to relocate operations to the US. While some countries saw lowered rates, others face steep increases. The administration promises swift permits and tax certainty for companies that shift production stateside. Small US importers relying on global supply chains should assess risks immediately.

Learn more about the enforcement of reciprocal tariffs.

SBA Opens Disaster Loan Support for Texas

Following President Trump’s disaster declaration on July 6, the SBA is now offering long-term, low-interest disaster loans to small businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofits in Kerr County, Texas, and surrounding areas. Eligible businesses can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property, inventory, or equipment. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available even for those without physical losses, offering working capital to cover payroll, debt, and bills. Homeowners may qualify for up to $500,000. Key deadlines: September 4, 2025, for property damage; April 6, 2026, for EIDLs.

All details about SBA disaster relief.

Best Inventory Software for Multi-Location Retail

Juggling inventory across multiple locations? Robust inventory management software like Oracle Fusion Cloud, Cin7, Fishbowl, and Zoho Inventory help streamline your supply chain, improve stock accuracy, and cut costs. Cin7 is ideal for e-commerce retailers, Oracle offers advanced ERP for scaling, and Zoho suits budget-conscious businesses. Fishbowl is perfect for warehouse-heavy operations. Choosing the right system can transform your logistics, especially if you're scaling or managing hybrid sales channels.

This is the best inventory software for multi-location retail.

Top 7 CRMs for Retail Businesses in 2025

A modern CRM is no longer optional for retail. Today’s best CRM platforms—like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Lightspeed—offer omnichannel integration, loyalty tracking, sales forecasting, and real-time analytics. Retailers using CRM see up to 41% revenue increases and faster sales cycles. This 2025 comparison breaks down which tools fit your business size, channel mix, and growth plans. Whether you run a boutique or a chain, the right CRM can help you retain more customers and drive higher profits.

The best CRMs for retailers in 2025.

AI Is Now the Marketing Frontline—Not Your Website

In 2025, AI—not your website—is the first touchpoint for customers. Whether through chatbots, voice assistants, or smart content recommendations, customer journeys are now shaped by AI tools that never land on your homepage. If your marketing isn’t optimized for AI visibility, you’re invisible. Learn how to structure content for AI platforms, build omnipresent brand signals, and rethink your entire funnel from the AI-first perspective.

This is how to future-proof your marketing strategy.