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44 Pallet C e nt ral • Ma rch -Ap r il 2 0 24 NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY: Pallet Industry Insights From An NWPCA Economic Pulse Member Survey Outlook For Inventory Levels Specific to our industry, one member said, "ere is a lot of price discovery happening, and it feels like a race to the bottom. From what we have seen over the last two quarters, many customers are exhausting inventory and not actively replacing it, having a heightened focus on cost-cutting. It will be interesting to see how 2024 plays out." Several members are feeling "continued pressure on inflation and projecting a slowdown. Increasing, but at a slower pace and lower rate." ECONOMIC PULSE BY ANNETTE FERRI, VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS predictions for inventory levels, sales performance, customer concerns, and the impact of technological trends. e results also provide insights into concerns about pricing, customer loyalty, and the upcoming presidential election. Overall, the survey reflects our members' feelings of uncertainty and, to some extent, pessimism. ere was a slight hint of optimism expressed by some who were "encouraged by continued consumer spending driving the movement of goods," and "cautiously optimistic that bank rates will decline this year, driving investment." I n the dynamic landscape of the wooden pallet industry, staying attuned to the pulse of market trends and economic expectations is crucial. So, how are NWPCA members doing? PalletCentral surveyed our membership in January 2024 and heard from 55 members (all anonymous) to check on how they feel about their businesses, the economy, and where the industry will be in the next six months. Based on this "Economic Pulse of the Member" survey, there are some common themes throughout, touching upon

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