The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a four-month high as imports rose for the first time since April, according to the Commerce Department. The report also showed inventories increased at wholesalers and fell at retailers.

Physical products are important, but one of the biggest stumbling blocks to a revised North American Free Trade Agreement could be something that you can't hold in your hands.

As the leadership team at a consumer products company debated its digital strategy, two opposing views emerged. To stay competitive, some argued, the company needed to invest several hundred million dollars to automate its existing network of large regional plants.

Organic and eco-labeled food products face high risk of food fraud because they command a higher price, and the growing market for sustainable and premium foods increases the risk, according to market research group Ecovia Intelligence.

Companies seek to burnish their brands in a variety of creative ways. In the case of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), that desire extends deep into the supply chain.

The World Trade Organization this month upped its forecast for global trade growth in 2017 thanks to stronger than expected demand for merchandise in Asia and North America.