On February 15, 2024, the Department of Defense issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement to strengthen Buy American Act domestic preferences in DOD procurements, aligning with Executive Order 14005. The rule increases domestic content thresholds, introduces a fallback threshold, and clarifies certification requirements in solicitations.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) aims to weaken China's economic growth by excluding the country from global supply chains. The deal, signed by 12 countries, includes pillars such as trade, clean energy, and infrastructure, but the deliberate exclusion of China threatens the agreement's objectives. The US

Walmart's new fulfillment center in Lancaster, near Fort Worth, is a state-of-the-art facility providing faster shipping and delivery using technology and machine learning. The Dallas-Fort Worth region was chosen for all new hardware and software capabilities due to its unique urban and rural landscapes. The center is part

Canada is concerned about new U.S. labeling rules for "Product of USA" on meat, poultry, and eggs. The rule allows the label only for products from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S., affecting the integrated North American supply chain. The Canadian government and

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced plans to help the Philippines double its semiconductor facilities to diversify the global chip supply chain. This comes after a $1 billion investment by US companies in the Philippines. Raimondo aims to encourage Southeast Asian nations to invest in chipmaking to reduce reliance on

A shortage of H-1B work visas is hindering South Korean companies from expanding manufacturing operations in the US. The South Korean government is lobbying the US to increase the visa quota. Subscribers can save their log-in information to avoid entering it each visit by checking the 'Save my User

Addverb, a global robotics and warehouse automation leader, partners with DHL Supply Chain in North America to deploy 52 sorting robots and software at a Columbus facility. The robots, powered by Addverb's software, increase throughput by more than 300%. The partnership improves sorting rates, accuracy, and efficiency, with

The US aims to help the Philippines double its semiconductor facilities to diversify the global chip supply chain, stated Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in a business forum. US companies are investing over $1 billion in the Philippines. Raimondo encourages countries in Southeast Asia to boost investment in chipmaking. The Biden

The United States is focusing on the Philippines' semiconductor sector to diversify the global chip supply chain amid tensions with China. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced a $1 billion investment from American companies in solar energy, electric vehicles, and digitization. The U.S. delegation aims for semiconductor expansion in

In February 2024, the Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) market in Germany witnessed a 10.1% price increase, driven by manufacturing cost spikes, logistics issues, and inflation. Similar trends were seen in the US, UK, and France, with HCl prices rising due to raw material costs and transportation charges. Despite challenges, the

Investors are pressuring Zara owner Inditex to disclose its full list of suppliers like rivals H&M and Primark. Regulators and investors want more transparency and disclosure from clothing retailers to ensure no forced labor or low wages in supply chains. Chinese fashion group Shein faces scrutiny over supply

The U.S. Navy is investing billions in strengthening American companies building submarine components for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine due to construction delays. The FY2025 budget cuts R&D spending, decommissions ships, and invests $8.8 billion into the industrial base. Pentagon admits the first Columbia-class is on

The Biden-Harris administration has proposed a $109 billion budget for the Department of Transportation, with a focus on improving aging infrastructure, including bridges and freeways. The budget includes funds to repair bridges, boost capacity at ports, and improve climate sustainability in shipping operations. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the budget'

Japan's UBE Corporation will invest $500 million to build an EV battery chemicals factory in Louisiana, creating jobs and reducing reliance on Chinese imports. The factory will produce ingredients for lithium-ion batteries, enhancing battery life and driving range. UBE's environmentally friendly process will establish a US

Three major medical-grade nitrogen gas manufacturers in the U.S. have prohibited their products from being used in executions following Alabama's use of nitrogen hypoxia in a recent execution. Led by Airgas, these companies have implemented mechanisms to prevent their cylinders from being used in death penalty states.

The USTR is soliciting input to develop trade and investment policies that enhance supply chain resilience. This initiative aims to provide multiple sourcing options, adapt quickly to shocks, uphold labor rights and environmental protections, and strengthen US manufacturing and workforce. President Biden highlighted the importance of this work during a

Global logistics companies are preparing for a potential Trump win in November and devising strategies to mitigate additional tariffs. Trump has threatened higher tariffs on Chinese goods if re-elected, and the trade war against China is expected to continue under Biden. The Trump administration imposed tariffs unilaterally, without Congressional approval,

On March 7, 2024, the USTR announced a Request for Comments on Promoting Supply Chain Resilience to gather input on policy initiatives supporting domestic manufacturing and services. The notice seeks feedback on sector-specific policy tools, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and collaborating with trading partners. Comments are due by April 22, 2024,

Congressman Higgins and Senator Rubio have introduced legislation to prioritize domestic manufacturing of critical energy grid components like transformers and reduce reliance on overseas products. The shortage of distribution transformers has caused delays in the housing industry. The legislation establishes an energy grid product manufacturing loan program through the U.

The Defense Department is working to establish domestic supply chains for rare earth materials, essential for U.S. military weapons systems including the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, submarines, and unmanned aerial vehicles. More than $439 million has been awarded since 2020 for this purpose. The goal is to have a

Governments and companies worldwide are prioritizing reducing supply chains and promoting domestic production post-COVID and Ukraine war. President Biden aims to boost U.S. economic self-reliance through new legislation supporting domestic manufacturing. The concept of “friend-shoring” is also gaining traction. Subscription to quality journalism is vital in the current information

Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy for cooperation in supply chains and eco-friendly energy. This marks the first time Eximbank has signed an MOU with a U.S. department. The agreement aims to promote collaboration in eco-friendly energy sectors to achieve

Boeing officials accused of failing to cooperate with crash investigation into 737 Max 9 panel failure. NTSB chair criticizes Boeing for not providing necessary documents and information. Boeing claims no documentation exists on how airplane left factory missing bolts. Both sides engage in tit-for-tat at Senate hearing. Transparency promises made

The Export-Import Bank of Korea and the US Department of Energy have signed a partnership agreement to support sustainable energy projects and the Korea-US supply chain. This marks the first time Eximbank has partnered with a US government agency, demonstrating the growing ties between the two nations in clean energy.

Donaldson Company, Inc. saw insider selling as President of Enterprise Operations & Supply Chain, Thomas Scalf, sold $767k worth of stock at $71.66 per share, decreasing holding size by 25%. Insider selling raises questions about stock valuation, but the company remains profitable and growing. Insiders own 0.7% of