Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is returning to normal levels as officials prepare to count votes on ratification of a new West Coast labor agreement that ended months of uncertainty, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

The National Retail Federation today called on Congress to renew its commitment to international trade by approving legislation that would reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), saying such authority is critical to advancing free trade agreements.

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to rise 10.1 percent this month over the same time last year even as West Coast ports come closer to a possible shutdown due to the lack of a contract with dockworkers, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

The National Retail Federation today announced the launch of United for Patent Reform, a new coalition co-chaired by NRF and Oracle and comprised of grocery, hotel, retail, restaurant and technology associations and companies.

The Container Store Chairman and CEO Kip Tindell has been elected chairman of the National Retail Federation Board of Directors and chairman of its Executive Committee. The announcement was made during NRF's 104th Annual Convention and EXPO.

Woodworking manufacturers that use or produce composite panels have until May 8 to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the proposed Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Composite Wood Products rule, originally issued June 2013.

The National Retail Federation released its 2014 economic forecast today, projecting retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1 percent*, up from the preliminary 3.7 percent growth seen in 2013. NRF also announced today it expects online sales in 2014 to grow between 9 and 12 percent.

Furniture and home furnishing stores’ sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 9.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to review and revise controversial rules on the importation of wood products and plant material that retailers fear could lead to unfair government seizure of merchandise ranging from furniture to musical instruments.

As one who waited outside in lines on Black Friday, I can attest to the volume of consumers out there looking to spend money this holiday season. Is your company ramped up to supply the products they need? */