Media Center

Imports at major U.S. retail container ports are expected to see double-digit year-over-year declines this spring and summer as the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

With some stores starting to reopen as governors lift stay-at-home orders across the country, economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is likely to come gradually and may vary by location, according to NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.

NRF welcomed the Federal Reserve’s decision to allow larger mid-size businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic to participate in its $600 billion Main Street Lending Program, a move proposed by NRF earlier this month.

The effort will provide operational guidelines and considerations developed with input from hundreds of retail industry leaders convened by NRF across four functional areas for America's retail sector: health and safety; people and personnel; logistics and supply chain; and litigation and liability.

NRF welcomed House action on legislation to increase funding for loans to small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

NRF welcomed a nearly $500 billion package set for a vote in the Senate that would increase funding for loans to small businesses and provide other economic aid during the coronavirus pandemic.

NRF called on Congress to pass legislation establishing a federal program that would help businesses obtain insurance coverage for pandemics modeled on a program for terrorism insurance established following 9/11.

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay on the Trump Administration’s announcement to delay the collection of import duties amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay in response to his participation with other retail industry and business leaders on today’s White House call for the initiation of the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups.

Retail sales saw their biggest monthly drop on record during March as the coronavirus pandemic forced restaurants, bars and many stores to temporarily close and stay-at-home orders also impacted gasoline sales, according to NRF. But sales soared at grocery stores and were up at other retailers deemed “essential," offsetting some of the decline.