The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 12th March 2021
The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists
Panasonic to buy Blue Yonder for $6.5 billion in biggest deal since 2011: Nikkei
Panasonic Corp will buy U.S. supply-chain software firm Blue Yonder for 700 billion yen ($6.45 billion), in the Japanese electronics firm’s biggest acquisition since 2011, the Nikkei reported on Monday.
Indonesia plans to regulate e-commerce to stop predatory pricing
Indonesia will issue a regulation to prevent predatory pricing on e-commerce platforms, including for Chinese goods, a minister said on Thursday, as President Joko Widodo urged consumers in Southeast Asia’s biggest market to shun imported products.
U.S. trade deficit widens as goods imports hit record high
The United States’ trade deficit increased in January as goods imports jumped to a record high amid a sharp rebound in consumer spending, offsetting a continued recovery in exports.
Volkswagen hikes battery cell demand in aggressive EV expansion
Volkswagen requires about 300 gigawatt hours (GWh) worth of battery cells a year by the end of the decade for its ambitious roll out of electric vehicles in Europe, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
UK's Boohoo urged to link fashion bosses' bonuses to improved worker rights
Fashion brand Boohoo should link bosses’ hefty bonuses to improved workers’ rights instead of simply chasing growth, British lawmakers said on Friday, following reports of low pay and dire conditions among workers in its supply chains.
Campbell warns of challenging quarter as winter storm disrupts production
Campbell Soup Co said on Wednesday it expects current-quarter sales to be pressured due to supply chain disruptions caused by a major winter storm and deep freeze that engulfed several U.S. states.
From farming to finance, Greensill's crusade sparked supply chain reaction
Lex Greensill’s mission to “make finance fairer” has taken him from the sugar cane fields of Bundaberg in Australia to the gold embossed halls of Buckingham Palace.
Ethiopian Airlines says ready to transport COVID-19 vaccines
Ethiopian Airlines is set to take a lead role in ferrying COVID-19 vaccines around the world and expects demand for the service to last for up to three years, its head of cargo services said on Sunday.
Britain's M&S expands online business to over 100 markets
British retailer Marks & Spencer has launched 46 websites in new markets, expanding its online reach to over 100 countries, it said on Monday.
China pledges to build 'Polar Silk Road' over 2021-2025
China will construct a “Polar Silk Road” and actively participate in the development of Arctic and Antarctic regions, it said in its new 2021-2025 “five-year plan” published on Friday.
Credit Suisse winding down Greensill-linked funds
Credit Suisse is winding down its supply chain finance funds which held most of their roughly $10 billion in notes backed by beleaguered Greensill Capital, it said on Friday.
Energy Secretary Granholm says U.S. needs to produce more EV minerals
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on Tuesday said the United States needs to boost domestic production of the minerals used to make electric vehicles, so long as it is done sustainably.
Malaysia's AirAsia Group plans air taxi, drone delivery service
Malaysia’s AirAsia Group Bhd plans to launch an air taxi service and the country’s first drone delivery service as the budget carrier seeks to diversify amid the coronavirus pandemic, the company’s CEO said on Saturday.
From elsewhere around the web:
More than 25% of trucks leaving the UK for EU are empty as exports dive. [The Loadstar]
Ports must improve visibility to end vicious congestion cycle. [Port Technology]
World’s Largest E-Scooter Factory to Make EV Every 2 Seconds. [Bloomberg]
A tumultuous year of ocean shipping prompts a rethink of contracts. [Supply Chain Dive]
$1,400 COVID relief checks to trigger surge in e-commerce shipments. [Freight Waves]
COVID-19, One Year Later. [SDC Exec]
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