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Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 24 25 My adv ice is to prioritize investing in automation and A I-driven technologies to counteract rising labor and operational costs, par ticularly in Mex ico due to expanding worker benef its. Companies should also prepare for the implementation of the rev ised NOM-SEM A R NAT-14 4, which w ill ensure compliance with stricter standards in wood packaging and enhance Mex ico's position in international trade. Additionally, stay ing informed about potential trade policy changes following the USMCA rev iew w ill be cr ucial for nav igating any shif ts in the market. - Samuel Podlipsky, Tarimera El Rayo Build raw material and pallet inventor y, f ind additional or back-up suppliers and lock in price and supply as possible. Take a hard look at supply chain and manufacturing processes to squeeze out any waste and make them more ef fective. Team up w ith customers, reach ag reement and plan ahead on volumes and timing. Collaborate w ith other industr y players to address common challenges. - Mia Allen, Rose Pallet Tighten your budget and be prepared for some of the lowest margins we have seen in a long time. We will see many of the smaller shops go out of business due to not understanding their tr ue costs. - Curtis Berry, Berry Pallets A good cash f low w ill be impor tant as lumber prices w ill go up, invoices w ill be bigger, mills w ill want to get paid faster, and they w ill prefer selling to the faster payers. It may look like a buyers market now, but be ready for a 18 0 -deg ree change! - Rene Harpin, SPEC Wood and Marketing Solutions Find more overseas material suppliers. - George Dunn & Olympic Industries Automate where you are able, eliminate waste, and control your labor. - Mark Jones, PALtech Enterprises

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