Unveiling Insights: The Impact of Falling Asian Exports, Rising Cargo Volumes at the Port of LA, and Surging Popularity of Used Teslas

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Mex-cellent Trade Shift

Mexico has now become the United States' top trading partner, surpassing China.

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Costly Hauls Ahead

Running a trucking business is now more expensive than ever. In 2022, average trucking operational costs exceeded $2 per mile.

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Container Imports: Downsized

In June, U.S. container import volumes decreased slightly compared to May but were much higher than pre-pandemic (2019) levels.

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Downhill Hustle

The LMI index continues its downward slide. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

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Road to Controversy: Transportation Politicked

The Department of Transportation is now the 4th most politicized federal agency. The partisan gaps in Americans' views of federal agencies are deepest for the CDC (49% gap), EPA (38% gap), Department of Education (33% gap), and the Department of Transportation (32% gap).

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Sailing Shipbuilder Supreme

China manufactures 44% of the world's commercial ships.

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Interest Everest

Interest on the federal debt increased to $852 billion, reaching a record high. If it continues on its current trajectory, it will soon become the largest single line item in the federal budget, surpassing Social Security.

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EV Confidence: Amping Down

Americans have low levels of confidence that the U.S. will build the necessary EV infrastructure.

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Orbital Clutterbug

This chart raises several questions. Two come to mind immediately:

1. How much space junk is considered a genuine problem?

2. Who will be responsible for cleaning it up?

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Business Blues

Although economic conditions appear difficult for starting a new business due to persistent inflation, supply chain disruptions, tight labor markets, high-interest rates, and small business optimism below its 49-year average for 17 months, more people than ever are still starting businesses. It is worth noting that high-propensity applications, such as those in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and food services, can lead to a company with payroll.

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Export Exodus: Asia's Slump

The decline in Asian exports indicates a slowing global economy.

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Cargo Surge: L.A.'s Harbor High

For the fourth straight month, the Port of Los Angeles saw cargo volumes rise.

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Charged Opportunities

It is an excellent time to buy a used Tesla.

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Chat's Record

Chat GPT reached 100 million users in just 2 days, making it the fastest ever.

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