The KPMG Supply Chain Stability Index for 2023, in collaboration with ASCM, highlights improved stability but ongoing fragility. Factors like cross-border patrol closures and conflicts impacting commercial shipping are major challenges. Positive developments include greater nearshoring efforts and the comeback of just-in-time inventory strategies. The importance of talent, resilience, and

Japan, the United States, and the Philippines are teaming up to strengthen their nickel supply chain, essential for electric vehicle batteries. The three countries aim to reduce their dependency on China, a major player in the nickel market. The move comes as China continues to expand its reach in critical

The Australian government welcomes a purchase order of Australian steel by a major US military shipbuilder, strengthening the AUKUS partnership. Bisalloy Steel will process the steel for Newport News Shipbuilding, enhancing the defence industry and creating local jobs. This collaboration aligns with the development of Australian supply chains for AUKUS

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) ambassador Katherine Tai highlighted her focus on empowering the US textile industry during the National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO)’s annual meeting. Tai emphasized the importance of US trade policies benefiting textile workers and vowed to address unfair practices, especially from China. USTR

The United States-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will enter into force in South Korea next week with India as a member. The initiative focuses on supply chain resilience and has four pillars: trade, supply chain resilience, a clean economy, and a fair economy. The agreement aims to prevent and

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index, based on a survey of 27,000 businesses, provides insight into ongoing conditions like shortages and transportation costs. In April 2024, transportation costs decreased due to falling container rates, while demand at Asian factories increased. Despite some shortages and capacity constraints, global manufacturers

The semiconductor chip war escalates amid global tensions, with the US and China leading the race. Taiwan and South Korea produce most advanced chips, with TSMC dominating. National security concerns prompt the US to boost domestic chip production. India faces both challenges and opportunities in the changing semiconductor supply chain

The U.S. Department of Energy will invest $75 million towards a critical minerals supply chain research facility as part of President Biden's agenda. The facility aims to strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on unreliable foreign sources, and support the transition to clean energy. It will be

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland has raised concerns about supply chain impacts for construction and agricultural machinery. Traffic through the Port of Baltimore is suspended, leading to short-term delays and potential increases for end users. The port's closure is expected to have

Sulzer opens new pump production lines in Easley, South Carolina, USA, investing over CHF10 million to expand capabilities for advanced manufacturing, creating local employment opportunities. The facility now manufactures ABS XFP sewage pumps and ABS Piranha PE grinder pumps, supporting essential industries and economic prosperity. Sulzer's ongoing expansion

Sisense, a business analytics software company, experienced a breach that may have exposed customers to a supply chain attack. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is working to respond to the compromise. Cybersecurity expert Marc Rogers warned customers not to underestimate the risk. Sisense customers are advised to reset credentials

After UPS replaced FedEx as the primary air cargo provider for USPS, businesses are focusing on air transport due to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and unexpected domestic incidents. The International Air Transport Association reported double-digit demand growth for global air cargo, reshaping industry dynamics. The shift towards

The University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business supply chain management graduate programs ranked No. 3 among public schools and No. 4 nationally in U.S. News and World Report's 2024 Best Graduate Business Schools rankings. The programs have been recognized in the top five for

Concerns are rising in U.S.-Mexico freight flows due to elections, border security protocols, and inspection procedures. Redwood Logistics warns of trucking delays as Mexican companies await new investments and demand in the U.S. The strengthening peso could harm Mexican exports. Redwood calls for a balanced approach to

Saurabh Todi from the Takshashila Institution suggests that the US, South Korea, and India can enhance their supply chains by leveraging competitive advantages. They have recognized their vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. Nikkei Asia, formerly known as Nikkei Asian Review, is rebranding as the voice of the Asian Century. Source:

Supply Chain Digital's Top 100 Women in Supply Chain 2024 highlights UK and Europe-based executives leading in operations, logistics, and sustainability. Francesca Gamboni heads Global Procurement at Volvo Cars. Kerstin Strauss is VP at Kuehne + Nagel. Sheena Behn is VP at AstraZeneca. Catherine Blackman is VP at Sanofi.

Japan, the top importer of steelmaking coal from the port in Houston, Texas, is expected to face a decrease in American coal exports following a recent bridge collapse near Baltimore. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts a 33% decrease in April's coal exports and a 20% decrease

Grant T. Harris, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, highlights the importance of resilient supply chains amid unprecedented challenges. Supply Chain Integrity Month aims to address supply chain challenges and emphasize collaboration. The Department of Commerce's Supply Chain Center is working to mitigate disruptions by fostering

Senators Sherrod Brown and Mike Braun introduced the bipartisan Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act to strengthen food supply chains and lower food costs. The bill expands the Department of Agriculture's Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to support investments in America's food supply chain,

The border crisis in El Paso is not only affecting migrants but is also impacting international shipping. Delays in processing paperwork at the border add millions of dollars to shipping costs, disrupting supply chains and causing economic losses. El Paso, a vital hub for trade between the US and Mexico,

The US National Science Foundation is launching a program to connect US start-ups with Taiwanese peers in tech sectors like semiconductors and AI. This initiative aims to foster strategic partnerships and boost innovation. Taiwan plays a key role in the technology supply chain and is a focus for the NSF&

The US government will provide $6.6 billion to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to build three chip factories in Phoenix, Arizona, as part of efforts to secure the supply of advanced chips. President Biden aims to bring chip production onshore to prevent supply disruptions. TSMC's investment of

The U.S. National Science Foundation launched a program to connect American startups with Taiwanese peers in key sectors like semiconductors and AI, aiming to foster deep tech innovation. Taiwan plays a crucial role in the technology supply chain, with most hardware innovation centered in Asia. Taiwan aims to attract

SUIC Worldwide Holdings Ltd. announces momentum in Beneway USA's IPO. The partnership offers innovative business financing solutions in the global supply chain financing market, estimated at $20 trillion. SUIC integrates cutting-edge technology to boost sales and competition with e-commerce operations. The company anticipates strong growth and increased IPO

Ocean carriers are confident in US consumer buying, launching or restarting 11 services for trans-Pacific and north-south trades. A temperature-controlled truckload and LTL service will connect key facilities in its North American cold-chain distribution network. The railroad anticipates a revenue impact of $50-100 million in the second quarter due to