Looming labor strikes at major US East and Gulf Coast ports and Canadian railways threaten to disrupt supply chains and significantly increase container freight rates. The potential for simultaneous strikes creates a critical situation for North American trade, with companies scrambling to mitigate potential disruptions.
Thailand, a leader in conventional car manufacturing, is rapidly becoming a global hub for electric vehicle (EV) production, driven by government incentives, a sophisticated supply chain, and a skilled workforce. Automakers like BYD, BMW, and Great Wall Motor are investing billions in local factories, producing EVs and batteries, creating a localized supply chain, and boosting EV sales to unprecedented levels.
GoBolt, a technology company focused on building a sustainable supply chain network, has announced its impressive mid-year sustainability achievements for 2024. The company has significantly increased its use of electric vehicles for deliveries, planted thousands of trees, and avoided hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation within the logistics industry.
Taiwanese companies are increasingly moving their supply chains from China to India, driven by escalating global trade tensions and a desire to diversify. This shift is fueled by growing economic ties between Taiwan and India, with Taiwan’s foreign direct investment in India seeing a significant surge in recent years. The move is also supported by India’s efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and its interest in attracting investment from Taiwan, a major chip producer.
SATA Air Açores is making temporary flight schedule adjustments from July 17 to July 23 due to increased demand and supply chain issues. The airline will use an Azores Airlines A320 aircraft to ensure service continuity and minimize disruption to passengers.
Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to meet with business and labor groups to discuss potential trade barriers against Chinese-made vehicles, citing concerns over unfair trade practices. This follows a recent government consultation regarding China’s impact on the electric vehicle sector. Freeland emphasizes the need for secure supply chains and a re-evaluation of China’s overcapacity, aligning with similar moves by the US and EU.
Airbus SE has signed a binding term sheet with Spirit AeroSystems to potentially acquire key production operations, ensuring supply chain stability and sustainability for Airbus’s commercial aircraft programs. The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of A350 fuselage sections, A220 wings and mid-fuselage, and A220 pylons.
Pure Strategies, a sustainability consulting firm, has introduced ‘Pure Supply,’ a platform designed to enhance supplier engagement in achieving climate goals and advancing sustainability programs. This platform provides a structured framework for companies to educate, guide, and support their suppliers in reaching renewable energy and climate targets, addressing the significant impact of supply chains on overall sustainability efforts.
The proposed acquisition by BHP of Anglo American highlights the growing demand for copper due to its crucial role in the energy transition. With the combined output of the two companies reaching 10% of global copper production, BHP solidifies its position as the leading producer. The robust outlook for copper demand, coupled with supply constraints, is driving a surge in mergers and acquisitions within the mining industry as companies seek to secure future supply.
UK car production experienced a decline last month, dropping 27% compared to the same period last year. However, this dip is attributed to the industry’s transition to next-generation electric vehicle production. Despite the decrease, over one-third of vehicles manufactured in March were eco-friendly petrol alternatives. International exports accounted for more than six out of ten cars manufactured, with European Union countries receiving the majority of shipments. Despite the monthly decline, Q1 production remained positive with a 1.1% increase compared to the previous year.
