The Ultimate Raw Material Sourcing Checklist for Manufacturing

Why a Raw Material Sourcing Checklist Matters

A robust raw material sourcing checklist isn't just a "nice-to-have"; it's a critical safeguard for your entire manufacturing operation. Without it, you're essentially flying blind, vulnerable to a host of potential issues that can severely impact your bottom line and reputation. Consider the consequences: a contaminated batch of materials halting production, leading to missed deadlines and costly overtime. Or imagine a sudden price spike due to a supplier failing to manage their own risks. Beyond the immediate financial impact, think about the damage to your brand caused by sourcing materials that don't meet ethical or sustainability standards. A well-defined checklist proactively mitigates these risks, ensuring consistent quality, reliable supply, and ethical practices across your supply chain, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and profitable business. It's an investment in your long-term success, not just a procedural formality.

1. Identifying Potential Suppliers

Finding reliable raw material suppliers is the crucial first step in building a robust supply chain. Don't settle for the first name that comes up - a proactive and thorough approach is essential. Here's a breakdown of effective strategies for identifying potential suppliers:

1. Leverage Online Directories & Platforms:

• Industry-Specific Directories: Numerous online directories cater to specific industries. Examples include ThomasNet (for industrial suppliers), Kompass, and specialized directories within your sector.
• B2B Marketplaces: Platforms like Alibaba, GlobalSpec, and IndustryNet connect buyers with suppliers worldwide. While convenient, remember due diligence is especially important when using these platforms.
• Trade Associations & Organizations: Many trade associations maintain supplier lists or can provide recommendations. Your industry's association is a fantastic starting point.

2. Network with Industry Contacts:

• Referrals: Talk to colleagues, other manufacturers, and industry experts. Personal referrals often lead to reliable suppliers.
• Trade Shows & Conferences: Attending industry events provides opportunities to meet potential suppliers in person and assess their capabilities.
• LinkedIn: Utilize LinkedIn to search for suppliers and connect with professionals in sourcing and procurement roles.

3. Expand Your Geographic Scope (Strategically):

• Local Suppliers: Consider local suppliers for quicker lead times and reduced transportation costs, but don't limit yourself.
• International Suppliers: Exploring international suppliers can provide competitive pricing and access to specialized materials, but factor in potential challenges like communication barriers and longer shipping times.
• Nearshoring: Evaluate nearshoring options - sourcing from countries geographically closer to your manufacturing facility - to balance cost savings and logistical ease.

Important Reminder: Document all potential supplier leads and initial assessments for future reference and comparison.

2. Due Diligence: Evaluating Supplier Reliability

Supplier due diligence goes far beyond a quick phone call and a price quote. It's about establishing confidence in a supplier's long-term viability and commitment to your standards. A thorough assessment mitigates risk, protects your operations, and ultimately safeguards your product quality.

Here's a breakdown of what comprehensive due diligence entails:

Financial Stability Assessment: We analyze a supplier's financial health - not just their current state, but their projected future. This involves requesting and reviewing financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements) and checking credit reports. Red flags might include consistent losses, high debt-to-asset ratios, or a history of late payments. Remember, a financially unstable supplier can disrupt your supply chain unexpectedly.

Background Checks & Reputation Management: A clean record is crucial. We conduct background checks to verify legal standing, business licenses, and any history of legal disputes, regulatory violations, or ethical concerns. Beyond formal records, we investigate their reputation within the industry. This includes checking online reviews, seeking references from other clients, and exploring industry forums. A negative reputation, even if seemingly minor, can be a warning sign.

Operational Capacity & Infrastructure Review: Understanding a supplier's capabilities requires more than just their claims. We assess their production capacity, equipment quality, and infrastructure to ensure they can reliably meet your demands. For critical suppliers, an on-site visit - either physical or virtual - provides invaluable insight into their operational processes, quality control systems, and adherence to safety standards.

Management Team & Key Personnel: A supplier is only as strong as its leadership. We evaluate the experience and expertise of the management team and key personnel. High turnover within key roles can be indicative of instability. Understanding their commitment to continuous improvement and ethical practices is also paramount.

Subcontractor Analysis: Many suppliers utilize subcontractors to supplement their capabilities. We delve into a supplier's subcontractor relationships, ensuring their subcontractors adhere to the same quality and ethical standards. You're effectively holding the primary supplier accountable for the performance and compliance of their entire supply chain network.

By implementing these due diligence measures, you build a foundation of trust and confidence in your suppliers, creating a more resilient and reliable supply chain.

3. Defining Quality: Material Specifications & Standards

Beyond simply stating a material is "good" or "bad," a robust quality assurance program demands precise, measurable specifications. This isn't just about preventing defects; it's about ensuring consistent performance, safety, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Here's how to translate quality expectations into concrete standards:

1. Detailed Specification Development:

• Physical Properties: Clearly define parameters like density, tensile strength, hardness, melting point, and color. Specify acceptable ranges, not just single values.
• Chemical Composition: Precise percentages of key elements or compounds are essential. Reference purity levels and allowable impurities.
• Dimensional Tolerances: Define acceptable variations in dimensions. Even seemingly small deviations can impact assembly and functionality.
• Performance Characteristics: For materials designed for specific functions (e.g., adhesives, coatings), specify performance metrics like adhesion strength, resistance to UV degradation, or thermal conductivity.
• Visual Inspection Criteria: Document acceptable visual characteristics - color consistency, surface finish, absence of defects (e.g., cracks, porosity).

2. Leveraging Industry Standards:

Don't reinvent the wheel! Widely accepted industry standards often provide pre-defined specifications and testing methods. Common examples include:

• ASTM International: Develops voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): Provides a framework for quality management and product standards.
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals): A European Union regulation addressing the safe use of chemicals.
• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): Restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment.
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Regulations: For materials used in food contact or medical devices.

Referencing these standards ensures a baseline level of quality and provides a common language for communication with suppliers.

3. Material Certifications:

Consider requiring material certifications from suppliers. These documents provide evidence that the material meets specified requirements and were produced under controlled conditions. Common certifications include:

• Mill Certificates: For metals, these provide data on chemical composition, mechanical properties, and testing results.
• Compliance Certificates: Demonstrate adherence to specific regulations (e.g., REACH, RoHS).

By meticulously defining material specifications, embracing established standards, and demanding appropriate certifications, you establish a foundation for consistent quality and mitigate potential risks throughout your manufacturing process.

4. Ensuring Quality: Sampling & Testing Procedures

Quality isn't a supplier's claim; it's verifiable data. That's why a robust sampling and testing protocol is non-negotiable. Simply accepting a supplier's certificate of analysis isn't enough; independent verification is crucial. Here's how to implement effective procedures:

1. Define Your Sampling Plan: This goes beyond simply taking a few samples. Detail the type of sample (random, stratified, etc.), the sample size for each batch or lot, the frequency of sampling (e.g., every shipment, periodically), and clear acceptance criteria based on your material specifications. Document this plan clearly and make it accessible to all relevant personnel.

2. Independent Laboratory Testing: A Must-Have: Engage accredited, independent laboratories to perform material testing. This removes any potential bias and ensures objectivity. Provide the lab with detailed specifications and clearly outline the tests required. Request detailed reports documenting test methodologies and results, including traceability back to the original sample.

3. Retention Samples: Your Safety Net: Retain representative samples from each batch received, properly labeled with date, supplier, lot number, and relevant information. Store these samples in controlled conditions according to material-specific requirements. Retention samples become invaluable for investigating quality issues, resolving disputes, and providing historical data.

4. Test Parameter Validation: Don't just accept testing results - understand them. Regularly review testing methodologies and results to ensure validity and accuracy. Participate in inter-laboratory comparisons to assess your lab's performance and identify potential biases.

5. Non-Conformance Handling: Establish a clear process for handling non-conforming materials. This includes procedures for identifying, isolating, documenting, and resolving issues, as well as communicating with the supplier to prevent recurrence. Root cause analysis should be conducted to pinpoint the source of the problem and implement corrective actions.

5. Traceability: Knowing Your Raw Materials' Origin

Understanding where your raw materials come from isn't just about curiosity; it's a critical aspect of risk mitigation, quality control, and increasingly, regulatory compliance. True traceability goes beyond knowing the supplier's name - it's about having a documented chain of custody that links each batch of material back to its source.

Why is this so important? Consider the implications of a contaminated batch of ingredients impacting a food product, or a shipment of minerals originating from a conflict zone. Robust traceability helps you proactively identify and address these risks.

Beyond Supplier Names: Mapping the Journey

Effective traceability requires more than just knowing your immediate supplier. You need to delve deeper:

• Mine/Farm of Origin: Know the specific location where the raw material was extracted or harvested.
• Processing History: Understand the different stages the material has undergone - refining, milling, chemical treatment, etc.
• Transportation Routes: Document the routes used to transport the material at each stage.
• Certifications & Permits: Maintain records of all relevant certifications (e.g., organic, fair trade) and permits associated with the material's journey.

Tools for Enhanced Traceability

While meticulous record-keeping is essential, technology can significantly enhance traceability efforts:

• Blockchain Technology: Offers a secure and transparent ledger for tracking materials throughout the supply chain.
• QR Codes & RFID Tags: Enable easy access to material information at different points in the process.
• Specialized Traceability Software: Automates data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Implementing a robust traceability system may seem complex, but the benefits - increased transparency, enhanced quality control, and proactive risk mitigation - are well worth the effort.

6. Risk Assessment: Identifying & Mitigating Supply Chain Threats

A robust raw material sourcing process isn't just about finding the best supplier; it's about anticipating what could go wrong and having a plan in place. Risk assessment goes beyond simply acknowledging potential problems; it's about systematically identifying them, evaluating their impact, and implementing proactive mitigation strategies.

Here's a breakdown of common supply chain risks and how to address them:

1. Geopolitical Instability & Trade Disruptions: Political unrest, trade wars, or sanctions can significantly impact material availability and pricing. Mitigation: Diversify your supplier base across multiple regions, monitor geopolitical events closely, and build buffer inventory for critical materials. Consider contractual clauses addressing force majeure events.

2. Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can disrupt production and transportation. Mitigation: Map your suppliers' geographic locations and assess their vulnerability to natural disasters. Develop contingency plans involving alternative suppliers or rerouting options.

3. Supplier Financial Instability: A supplier's bankruptcy or financial distress can halt production. Mitigation: Regularly assess suppliers' financial health through credit reports and financial statement reviews. Establish backup suppliers and consider diversifying your order volume among multiple vendors.

4. Single Source Dependency: Relying on a single supplier for a critical raw material creates significant vulnerability. Mitigation: Actively seek and qualify alternative suppliers. Even if you primarily use one, having a viable second option provides crucial leverage and resilience.

5. Quality Control Failures: A sudden drop in material quality can lead to defective products and costly recalls. Mitigation: Implement stringent quality control procedures, including independent laboratory testing and on-site audits. Establish clear communication channels for reporting quality concerns.

6. Cybersecurity Threats: Suppliers are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can disrupt their operations and compromise sensitive data. Mitigation: Evaluate suppliers' cybersecurity practices and ensure they have robust data protection measures in place. Include cybersecurity requirements in supplier contracts.

Assessing Risk Severity:

Once risks are identified, prioritize them based on their likelihood and potential impact. A simple risk matrix (likelihood vs. impact) can be a valuable tool for this assessment. This allows you to focus your mitigation efforts on the most critical threats. Regularly review and update your risk assessment to reflect changing circumstances.

7. Contracts & Compliance: Protecting Your Business

A rock-solid sourcing strategy hinges on more than just finding a reliable supplier; it requires meticulous legal and compliance groundwork. This isn't about being adversarial; it's about proactively safeguarding your business from potential risks and ensuring a stable, predictable supply chain.

Beyond Price: What a Strong Contract Delivers

While price is undeniably important, your supplier contracts should encompass far more. Think of it as a comprehensive agreement outlining expectations and liabilities for all parties involved. Key elements include:

• Detailed Specifications & Quality Standards: Reiterate the specific material requirements, acceptable quality levels, and testing procedures outlined earlier in the sourcing process. This leaves no room for ambiguity.
• Pricing & Payment Terms: Clearly define pricing mechanisms (fixed price, cost-plus, etc.) and payment schedules, including potential price escalation clauses.
• Delivery Schedules & Penalties: Establish clear delivery timelines and include penalties for late or incomplete shipments.
• Liability & Indemnification: Outline liabilities for product defects, non-compliance, or breaches of contract. Include indemnification clauses to protect your business from third-party claims.
• Confidentiality & Intellectual Property: Protect sensitive information and proprietary designs with strict confidentiality agreements.
• Termination Clauses: Define conditions under which either party can terminate the contract and the associated procedures.

Staying Ahead of the Regulatory Landscape

Compliance isn't optional; it's a legal imperative. Ensure your contracts address relevant regulations, including:

• Environmental Regulations (REACH, RoHS): Verify suppliers comply with environmental regulations concerning hazardous substances.
• Labor Laws: Ensure suppliers adhere to fair labor practices and comply with local labor laws.
• Conflict Minerals Regulations (Dodd-Frank Act): Implement due diligence processes to ensure responsible sourcing of conflict minerals.
• Import/Export Regulations: Adhere to relevant import/export regulations and obtain necessary licenses.

Proactive Compliance - A Competitive Advantage

Building compliance into your sourcing process isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about building trust with customers and enhancing your brand reputation. Demonstrate your commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing, which can be a significant differentiator in today's competitive market. Regular audits, performance reviews, and ongoing communication with suppliers are essential for maintaining compliance and fostering a strong, mutually beneficial partnership.

8. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing: A Responsible Approach

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are no longer optional extras - they're fundamental to long-term business resilience and a positive brand reputation. Consumers are increasingly discerning, demanding transparency and accountability from the companies they support. Ignoring these concerns can lead to reputational damage, boycotts, and ultimately, financial losses.

This isn't just about ticking boxes on a compliance checklist; it's about actively building relationships with suppliers who share your values and contribute to a more responsible global economy.

What does responsible sourcing look like in practice?

• Supplier Code of Conduct: This document clearly outlines your expectations regarding labor practices, environmental responsibility, and ethical behavior. It should cover topics like fair wages, safe working conditions, freedom of association, responsible resource management, and the prohibition of forced labor and child labor.
• Conflict Minerals Due Diligence: Regulations like the Dodd-Frank Act require companies to ensure their supply chains are free from conflict minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold) that directly or indirectly finance armed conflict and human rights abuses. Robust due diligence processes are critical for compliance.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Assess the environmental footprint of your suppliers' operations, including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. Encourage them to adopt sustainable practices and explore opportunities for resource efficiency.
• Transparency & Traceability: Demand transparency from your suppliers regarding the origin of raw materials and their production processes. Traceability allows you to identify and address potential risks and ensure responsible sourcing practices.
• Community Engagement: Consider the impact of your sourcing decisions on local communities and prioritize suppliers who are committed to fair trade practices and community development initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement: Sustainability and ethics are ongoing journeys. Establish a framework for continuous improvement, regularly review your sourcing practices, and collaborate with suppliers to identify and address new challenges.

By embracing a responsible approach to sourcing, you can not only mitigate risks but also create positive impacts on people and the planet.

9. Business Continuity: Preparing for the Unexpected

The modern manufacturing landscape is riddled with potential disruptions - natural disasters, geopolitical instability, cyberattacks, pandemics, supplier bankruptcies, and more. Simply having a great supplier isn't enough; you need a plan for when that supplier - or a vital link in your supply chain - is unable to fulfill their obligations. Business continuity planning for raw materials isn't just about damage control; it's about proactive resilience.

Here't what a robust business continuity strategy for your raw material supply should encompass:

• Supplier Risk Profiling: Go beyond basic due diligence and actively assess each critical supplier's vulnerability to various risks. This includes geographic location, infrastructure dependencies, and financial stability.
• Redundancy & Diversification: Ideally, avoid single-sourcing for essential raw materials. Establish relationships with multiple qualified suppliers (dual or multi-sourcing) to create a buffer against disruption.
• Safety Stock Levels: Maintain adequate safety stock of critical raw materials to cover potential supply shortages. Calculate safety stock levels based on lead times, demand variability, and acceptable service levels.
• Alternative Sourcing Options: Identify and pre-qualify alternative suppliers who can step in quickly if a primary supplier fails. This might involve pre-negotiated contracts or standby agreements.
• Contingency Transportation Plans: Map out alternative transportation routes and carriers in case of infrastructure failures or logistical bottlenecks.
• Communication Protocols: Establish clear communication protocols with suppliers, internal teams, and customers to ensure timely information flow during a crisis.
• Regular Testing & Drills: Conduct periodic tabletop exercises and simulations to test your business continuity plan and identify areas for improvement. Regularly review and update the plan to reflect changing conditions.
• Data Backup & Recovery: Implement robust data backup and recovery procedures to protect critical supply chain data from loss or corruption.
• Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection against potential supply chain disruptions.

10. Monitoring Supplier Performance

Effective supplier performance monitoring isn't about catching suppliers doing wrong; it's about fostering a collaborative partnership focused on continuous improvement. A proactive approach, driven by data and regular communication, is key to long-term success.

Start by defining clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with your business goals. Common metrics include:

• On-Time Delivery (OTD): Measures the percentage of orders delivered within the agreed-upon timeframe.
• Quality Defect Rate: Tracks the number of defective units received per batch or order.
• Supplier Responsiveness: Gauges the speed and effectiveness of supplier communication and issue resolution.
• Cost Performance: Monitors price fluctuations and identifies opportunities for cost reduction.
• Lead Time: Tracks the time it takes from order placement to delivery.

Implement a system for consistently collecting and analyzing these KPIs. This could involve automated data feeds, supplier scorecards, or regular performance reports. Don't just report the numbers - interpret them. Are there trends emerging? Are specific suppliers consistently underperforming?

Beyond the data, establish regular communication channels with your suppliers. Schedule periodic performance reviews where you can discuss results, identify areas for improvement, and collaboratively develop action plans. These reviews should be a two-way conversation, where suppliers can also provide feedback on your processes.

Remember to document all findings and action items. This creates a transparent record of performance and ensures accountability. By treating supplier performance monitoring as an ongoing process of collaboration and improvement, you can strengthen your supply chain and drive mutual success.

11. Auditing Your Supply Chain

Auditing isn't just about checking boxes; it's about validating that your suppliers are truly upholding the commitments made in contracts and adhering to your quality and ethical standards. While a thorough review of documentation (certificates, test reports, compliance records) is essential, a robust audit goes far beyond the paper trail.

Types of Audits:

• Announced Audits: Provide suppliers advance notice. These are good for collaborative improvement and verifying documented processes.
• Unannounced Audits: Offer a more realistic picture of day-to-day operations and compliance. These are often more valuable for identifying systemic issues.
• First-Party Audits: Conducted by the supplier themselves. Useful for identifying areas for internal improvement, but require careful oversight.
• Second-Party Audits: Conducted by your team, directly assessing the supplier's operations. Provides direct insight but can be perceived as confrontational.
• Third-Party Audits: Conducted by an independent, accredited auditing body. Provides unbiased validation and builds credibility. Consider for critical materials or high-risk suppliers.

What to Look For During an Audit:

• Process Validation: Observe processes firsthand to ensure they align with documented procedures.
• Equipment Calibration: Verify that equipment used in production and testing is properly calibrated and maintained.
• Employee Training: Assess the level of training and competency of employees involved in critical operations.
• Record Keeping: Evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and security of records related to material traceability, quality control, and environmental compliance.
• Corrective Action Implementation: Review the supplier's process for identifying and implementing corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Management Commitment: Gauge the level of commitment from management regarding continuous improvement and adherence to ethical standards.

Post-Audit Actions:

Following an audit, create a detailed report outlining findings, corrective actions needed, and timelines for implementation. Work collaboratively with suppliers to address identified issues and track progress. Regularly review audit results to identify trends and opportunities for further improvement across your entire supply chain.

12. Continuous Improvement: Refining Your Process

Supply chain excellence isn't a destination; it's a journey of continuous improvement. Once your raw material sourcing process is established, don't assume it's done. Regular review and refinement are vital for maintaining resilience, mitigating risks, and maximizing value.

This begins with actively soliciting feedback from all stakeholders - procurement, quality, engineering, operations, and even your customers. What worked well? What could have been better? Were there unexpected challenges or opportunities?

Formalize this process by scheduling periodic reviews (e.g., quarterly or annually) specifically dedicated to evaluating your sourcing checklist and its implementation. Analyze performance data - supplier KPIs, defect rates, on-time delivery percentages - to identify trends and areas for optimization.

Don't be afraid to experiment with new technologies and approaches. Could blockchain enhance traceability? Could AI optimize supplier selection? Could a more collaborative supplier relationship drive innovation?

Most importantly, cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within your procurement team. Encourage them to stay abreast of industry best practices, attend relevant training programs, and share their knowledge with colleagues. Remember, a static process is a vulnerable process. Embrace change, learn from your experiences, and strive for ongoing refinement - it's the key to a truly world-class supply chain.

13. The Future of Raw Material Sourcing

The raw material sourcing landscape is on the cusp of significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and increasing regulatory pressure. Several key trends will reshape how manufacturers secure their supplies.

Firstly, digitalization will continue its relentless march. Expect widespread adoption of AI-powered predictive analytics to anticipate demand fluctuations and optimize inventory levels. Blockchain technology, once a nascent concept, will mature, providing immutable records of material origin and processing history, bolstering traceability and combating counterfeiting. Automated supplier portals and real-time data sharing will become standard, fostering greater transparency and collaboration.

Secondly, circular economy principles are moving beyond buzzwords to become core business strategies. Manufacturers will increasingly prioritize recycled and sustainably sourced materials, driving demand for innovative material recovery technologies and fostering partnerships with waste management companies. Design for disassembly and material reuse will gain prominence, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

Thirdly, supplier diversification and localization will become increasingly critical. Geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on single sources or distant suppliers. Nearshoring and reshoring initiatives will gain traction, reducing transportation costs, lead times, and geopolitical dependencies.

Finally, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations will be paramount. Investors, consumers, and regulators are demanding greater accountability for environmental and social impacts. This will drive increased scrutiny of suppliers' labor practices, environmental performance, and ethical conduct. Transparency and demonstrable sustainability efforts will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge. The future of raw material sourcing isn't just about finding the cheapest supplier; it's about building resilient, responsible, and future-proof supply chains.

Resources & Links

• Thomasnet: Supplier Discovery & Industrial Sourcing - A comprehensive platform for finding industrial suppliers.
• Alibaba: Global Wholesale Marketplace - A massive marketplace connecting buyers with suppliers, primarily from China.
• Global Sources: B2B Marketplace - Another major B2B platform with verified suppliers.
• IndustryNet: Manufacturing Suppliers & Company Information - Database of industrial suppliers with detailed company profiles.
• Mouser Electronics: Electronic Component Distributor - If electronics are involved in your manufacturing.
• Digi-Key Electronics: Authorized Distributor of Electronic Components - Another major electronic component distributor.
• TradeKey: Online B2B Marketplace - Connects businesses to suppliers worldwide.
• EC21: Global B2B Marketplace - Offers a wide range of products from various suppliers.
• SpecRight: Raw Materials Specification Management - A platform to help manage your raw material specifications.
• ISO: International Organization for Standardization - Information on quality management standards (like ISO 9001) important for supplier assessment.
• NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology - Resources on standards, measurement, and technology.
• Sourcing Journal - News and insights on the sourcing and supply chain industry.
• McKinsey & Company: Supply Chain Insights - While not a sourcing platform, they often publish insightful articles on supply chain topics.
• IMD: Business School Insights - Offers perspectives on global supply chain management.
• Forbes: Business & Investing - Search for articles related to sourcing and supply chain.
• The Wall Street Journal: Business News - Similar to Forbes, provides business and industry related articles.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: International Trade - Resources for businesses involved in international trade.