eNews Archive

President Trump’s trade war is officially on. However, in an extraordinary reversal just hours after they were set to go into effect, the President delayed the implementation of extremely harsh reciprocal tariffs on over 60 countries. That leaves in place the April 4th 10% across-the-board tariffs but gives the world time to breathe and react.

Economic turmoil is straining cash flow for many businesses, while market instability continues to rise. In this climate, economic forecasts that provide perspectives into the health of the B2B world are increasingly valuable, as credit professionals rely on this information to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.

In the construction industry, getting paid can often be a waiting game. Any disruption in the payment flow—from the general contractor to the material supplier—may lead to significant delays in both payment and the overall project timeline.

NACM’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) deteriorated 1.6 points to 53.3. “The CMI lost some momentum in March after last month’s solid improvement,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE. “The deterioration was broad-based, with six of ten factors declining from the February survey.”

Economic uncertainty complicates the work of credit managers. As the changing tides of the economy become unpredictable, risk increases. Credit managers across industries have seen volatility in pricing, as wide-reaching economic uncertainties like tariffs, trade wars and supply chain issues send ripples across the economy. While price fluctuations are somewhat of a constant in the ever-changing world of business credit, it can still be difficult to predict and even harder to navigate.  

The supply chain, consisting of individuals and companies involved in the production and delivery of products to customers, can be very delicate. A single disruption has the ability to trigger a ripple effect, significantly impacting various industries worldwide. Material shortages, such as those affecting lumber, metals and food, are among the factors influencing the supply chain. 

Credit managers working in construction know all too well the importance of securing their lien rights. They also know how different these rules can be from state to state, making it all the more important that credit managers take the time to learn the ins and outs of these statutes and how they can vary depending on where you are operating.  

Imagine leading an elite force of credit managers who don’t just react to challenges—they predict them. Picture a world where risks are identified before they escalate, where credit decisions are proactive rather than reactive, and where financial stability is achieved through calculated, strategic moves. These professionals navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence, ensuring that businesses can grow without being burdened by inefficient processes or unforeseen risks.