Over the past 40 years, Malaysia has stood out on the world stage for its impressive economic performance and resilience. To this day, the country remains a powerhouse in the global market, ranking among the world’s leading suppliers of electrical equipment, semiconductors, solar panels and information and communications technology (ICT). Amid ongoing trade tensions and inflationary pressures, Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy experienced a slowdown in 2025.

Every month, credit managers from across the United States complete a survey reporting the conditions of their last monthly business cycle, looking at their sales, credit applications and the accounts placed for collections. The survey is compiled into the Credit Managers’ Index (CMI), a monthly forecast that shows how the current economy and business environment are impacting customer behavior and, consequently, the day-to-day work of credit managers.  

Bankruptcy tends to stay out of the public’s focus–and by extension Congress’s–when the economy is doing well. That’s where we are now, with unemployment rates still sitting around 4% and inflation rates mostly under control. Because of that, Congress finally allowed the COVID-era small business chapter 11 bankruptcy eligibility threshold increases to expire. There has not been a major piece of legislation introduced since January that touches Chapter 11 or 13 bankruptcies.

It’s okay to ask for help sometimes—like when you’re short on lunch money and a friend covers you. Eventually, though, they’ll expect to be paid back. Business credit works the same way: it’s a relationship built on give and take.

Tracy Mitchell, CBA, director of accounts receivable at Trinity Logistics (Seaford, DE) is this year’s recipient of the CBA Designation of Excellence Award, granted to credit professionals who have both attained the Credit Business Associate (CBA) and shown a commitment to excellence through continuous learning and sharing knowledge by speaking, teaching or mentoring.

Earning a professional certification opens a new world of understanding in the field of business credit. Whether it’s your first designation or one of many, each new accreditation expands your knowledge of credit management and reflects a dedication to bettering yourself within the profession.

Poland’s economy remains one of the strongest in the European Union (EU), even as contentious election reveals political tensions within the country. Karol Nawrocki from the conservative party won the June 1 election with 51% of the votes, beating out the left-leaning Rafal Trzaskowski.

The accounts receivable (AR) department is a vital part of an organization’s financial health, ensuring timely payment of invoices and maintaining accurate records of receivables. However, any sudden change in business environment, size or organizational structure can drastically affect how efficiently the AR department operates.

NACM’s seasonally adjusted combined Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) for May 2025 improved 0.7 points to 54.7. “The improvement in May was somewhat unexpected given that 10% across the board tariffs were put in place the first week of April along with very high tariffs that affected all imports from China,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE.