The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 18th February 2022
The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists
Analysis: World's damaged supply chains brace for painful recovery
Signs are growing that a global supply chain crisis which has confounded central bank inflation forecasts, stunted economic recoveries and compressed corporate margins could finally start to unwind towards the end of this year.
Airbus upbeat on freighter sales, plays down supply chain fears
Airbus (AIR.PA) voiced optimism on Monday about sales of a new A350 freighter after Boeing (BA.N) launched a competing cargo version of its future 777X jetliner and said it was doing everything possible to shore up fragile global supply chains.
Demand shock behind global bottlenecks should ease in months-WTO
Global trade bottlenecks are more the result of demand spikes than supply chain snags, with pressure likely to ease in the coming months, the World Trade Organization's chief economist said on Monday.
South Korea to create a fund to cope with supply chain challenges
South Korea President Moon Jae-in said on Monday the government will create a fund to better secure key raw materials essential for manufacturing and exporting in the face of current supply bottlenecks.
Insurance coverage in the wake of a fragmented supply chain
For the majority of modern industry, a well-designed and reliable supply chain is the foundation for operational success. This means that all portions thereof — from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution — work together reciprocally so that all components of an end-product meet necessary specifications and timely reach their destinations.
Volvo Cars warns supply chain woes could remain as profit lags forecasts
Volvo Cars (VOLCARb.ST) on Friday posted earnings below expectations pressured by global supply shortages despite strong demand for its vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz CFO sees easing of supply chain woes in H2
Mercedes-Benz (DAIGn.DE) expects raw material prices and semiconductor shortages to continue to prevent it from meeting strong market demand for its products this year, the carmaker's Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said on Friday.
Aerospace firms grapple with fragile supply chain at Singapore Airshow
Supply chain shortages and wage inflation are at the top of a list of concerns for aerospace companies attending a depleted Singapore Airshow amid tight health controls this week.
In relief for retailers, Vietnam won't close factories amid COVID surge
Vietnamese factories making everything from shoes to smartphones are expected to continue production despite record COVID-19 infections, reversing a policy of sweeping lockdowns last year that hobbled global supply chains for Western retailers.
French retailer Casino extends partnership with Britain's Ocado
French retailer Groupe Casino and British online technology firm Ocado Group (OCDO.L) said they would develop e-commerce logistics centres for retailers in France in a major expansion of their partnership.
Logistics tech startup Veho valued at $1.5 billion in Tiger Global-led fundraise
Veho, a startup that uses technology to facilitate next-day package delivery, raised $170 million in an early-stage funding round led by Tiger Global that valued it at $1.5 billion.
Blackstone, partners bet $24 billion on hunger for urgent delivery
Blackstone Inc (BX.N) is leading a 21 billion euro ($23.81 billion) recapitalisation of Mileway, the biggest operator of urban warehouses in Europe, as the private equity giant increases its bet on demand for rapid goods delivery.
Shipping firm CMA CGM to stop transporting plastic waste
Global shipping group CMA CGM said on Friday it will stop transporting plastic waste on its vessels from June 1 to help curb pollution.
Ukraine says shipping through Azov sea is now open again
Russia has withdrawn previously announced restrictions for ships in the Sea of Azov linked to naval drills in the area, Ukraine's sea port Authority said on Friday.
Egypt lengthening two-way portion of Suez Canal by 10 kilometres
Egypt is working to improve the Suez Canal by making an additional 10 kilometres accessible to two-way traffic, while widening and deepening another 30 kilometres, the chairman of the authority managing the waterway said on Tuesday.
GM, Toyota, Ford cut production following Canadian trucking protests
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), General Motors Co (GM.N), Ford Motor (F.N) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis (STLA.MI) said they had been forced to cancel or scale back some production at North American plants on Thursday because of parts shortages stemming from Canadian trucker protests against pandemic mandates.
Canadian trucker protest forces some companies to use air transport
Automakers and some manufacturers are looking to the skies as they seek alternatives for moving products caught up in Canadian trucking protests that have hit supply chains on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border, union and industry executives said.
Aurora teams with US Xpress to build service around automated trucks
Aurora Innovation Inc, a developer of automated driving systems for heavy trucks, will partner with US Xpress Enterprises Inc, one of the country’s largest trucking companies, to build a premium service for freight carriers, the companies said on Monday.
From elsewhere around the web:
Autonomous vehicles make inroads — inside and outside the warehouse. [Supply Chain Dive]
Empty shelves sapped retailers of $82B in CPG sales last year. [Supply Chain Dive]
Softening spot rates could mean 'days are numbered' for ad-hoc carriers. [The Loadstar]