average against the currencies of major trading partners.

The panel also predicts the prices they pay will increase 0.2 percent during the first four months of 2010, and will increase an additional 2.4 percent during the balance of 2010, with an overall increase of 2.6 percent for 2010. Respondents' major concerns are: weak economy; credit crisis; taxes; interest rates; and high energy costs.
Survey respondents expect to realize supply chain improvements through supplier consolidation; new or improved enterprise technology and system utilization; improved inventory/asset management; Lean Manufacturing; and cost reduction.

Institute for Supply Management
www.ism.ws

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