Multiple lawsuits have been filed in the US against companies implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies in their supply chains. These lawsuits argue that the inclusion programs promote reverse discrimination by limiting participation to specific minority groups. Companies such as Comcast and Starbucks are facing legal challenges

South Korean battery makers are interested in developing processing plants in Chile to turn its vast reserves of semi-processed lithium into materials for rechargeable batteries, according to InvestChile, Chile's foreign investment promotion body. The companies are looking to supply the US market with lithium cathodes, and may qualify

The recent aggression by the US and UK on Yemeni positions in the Red Sea has raised concerns of a prolonged supply-chain crisis. The shipping industry is experiencing chaos and increased risk due to these aggressions. The US and UK have shifted from an aggressive stance to launching airstrikes, leading

A recent survey by Ivalua, a procure-to-pay software solution provider, reveals that around 53% of US firms are concerned about unintentional greenwashing and inaccurate reporting of emissions data. Only 44% of organizations feel confident in accurately reporting on Scope 3 emissions in their supply chains. The study also emphasizes the

Top government officials have urged the United States to diversify its technology supply chain to maintain its technological advantage and prevent the Chinese Communist Party from gaining access to critical emerging technologies. Witnesses at a House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee hearing emphasized the need to protect technologies such as semiconductors,

The city and St. Johns River Water Management District are reviewing permit applications for Project Empire, a larger project than what was initially described. The application is for a 603,200-square-foot industrial building on 47.13 acres in North Jacksonville. The project is identified as DHL Supply Chain and is

Qcells, a leading clean energy solutions provider, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its announcement to establish the nation's only complete solar supply chain. The company has invested over $2.5 billion in building a sustainable supply chain and has successfully expanded solar panel assembly output. Qcells has

Stellantis, the international car manufacturer, has announced plans to cut over 2,750 jobs in the US and Italy. In Italy, almost 2,250 workers will be temporarily laid off at the Mirafiori plant over the next few weeks. In the US, 539 supplemental workers will be permanently cut from

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has entered a cooperative agreement with Pennsylvania to offer over $24 million in grant funding for projects to strengthen the supply chain. Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, Pennsylvania is accepting applications for infrastructure grants until March 30, 2024. The funding will

Deloitte's Subit Mathew, a top SAP expert, discussed the role of Gen AI in supply chain management on SAP's Future of Supply Chain podcast. Mathew emphasized that supply chains of the future will leverage AI and intelligent technologies to enhance human creativity and efficiency. He suggested

China is focusing on enhancing its high-tech self-reliance and the security of its industry and supply chains in response to developed countries promoting nearshoring. China has lower inflation and interest rates compared to the US and Europe, making it more cost-effective for production. Lower interest rates also promote manufacturing investment,

Vancouver-based Vistara Growth has invested $20 million in Michigan-based Algo and participated in a $40 million growth financing round for Maryland-based Impact Analytics. Vistara typically provides growth capital to enterprise SaaS companies, targeting artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure businesses with annual recurring revenue between $10 million and $100 million. With

Industrial companies in North America are investing in smart manufacturing, supply chain improvements, and aftermarket services to address market trends, according to a report by Information Services Group (ISG). Factors such as inflation, supply chain issues, regional conflicts, and accelerated product release cycles have prompted companies to invest in technology

DHL Supply Chain has added its 50th electric yard truck, manufactured by Orange EV, to its operations in the US. The company estimates that by using electric trucks instead of diesel, it will eliminate over 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions annually. DHL Supply Chain plans to phase out diesel

In January 2024, the mLLDPE market saw a surge in spot prices in Europe and the US. Sellers in Europe increased prices due to a perceived market bottom and material shortages, while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping and reduced import volumes. In the US, mLLDPE prices rebounded

The decline in shipping container volumes arriving at U.S. ports has contributed to the reduction in inflation and alleviated the supply chain crisis. Data from Panjiva and S&P Global Market Intelligence shows that imports in 2023 returned to pre-pandemic levels, following a record surge in 2021. This

Demand in the warehouse market, which had been red hot since the start of the pandemic, is now slowing down as the market returns to normal. Vacancy rates are expected to rise further as new warehouses are built and demand decreases. However, lease rates have remained slightly higher in the

Vietnam has emerged as a key player in the power dynamics between the US and China in Southeast Asia. The US sees Vietnam as a potential ally in countering China, and President Biden's recent visit to Vietnam symbolizes a strengthening of bilateral relations. Meanwhile, China is also strengthening

The conflict between the US and China is intensifying as both countries take positions on semiconductor and rare earth metal issues. The US plans to investigate American companies importing Chinese-made legacy semiconductors, claiming it will level the playing field and reduce national security risks. China argues that this move will

The FDA issued an advisory warning about counterfeit Ozempic shots in the drug supply chain. The agency has seized thousands of units of the counterfeit product and is investigating the occurrences of fake semaglutide. The FDA advised wholesalers, pharmacies, healthcare practitioners, and patients to check their products and not use

The Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA) and Mexico's National Auto Parts Industry (INA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), highlighting Mexico as a potential advantage for Taiwanese companies in the global supply chain reshuffle. TEEMA stated that Mexico's inclusion in the United States-Mexico-Canada

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established the Supply Chain Resilience Center (SCRC) to strengthen and secure U.S. supply chains. President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas introduced the SCRC on Nov. 27. The center aims to collaborate with the private sector to analyze vulnerabilities, mitigate disruptions,

Mitsubishi HC Capital America has partnered with 954 Consultants to offer a supply chain financing solution to support the company's expansion in the commercial and government sectors. 954 Consultants provides IT networking, cloud and consulting services for small, middle-market, and enterprise companies across the US. The partnership allows

Nearly 80 percent of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are located outside of the United States. U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger, Angie Craig, and Jefferson Van Drew have introduced the bipartisan RAPID Reserve Act to incentivize American-based manufacturers to increase reserves of critical pharmaceutical ingredients and reduce the country's reliance

Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill, is investing in partnerships with dairy, beef, and poultry suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and develop resilient agricultural practices. The company aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions intensity from core proteins by 46% by