The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 18th March 2022
The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists
China's COVID curbs set to tighten global supply chain pinch
Manufacturers of everything from flash drives to glass for Apple iPhone screens are warning of shipment delays as they comply with Chinese controls to curb the spread of COVID-19, further straining global supply chains.
BMW, Michelin hit by supply-chain turmoil, Publicis cedes control in Russia
Michelin and BMW were among the latest companies on Wednesday to warn of disruption to their businesses from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while ad group Publicis said it had handed over control of its Russian subsidiary to protect its staff.
Russia's shipping trade slides after Ukraine invasion -data
Russia’s shipping trade has plummeted since Moscow’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions push many foreign companies to suspend sailings, adding further pressure on the country’s economy, according to freight data.
Ukraine war throws VW outlook into question, CEO warns
A lack of wiring harnesses from Ukraine has overtaken a shortage of semiconductors as Volkswagen's biggest supply chain headache as the Russia-Ukraine war clouds its prospects for this year, the world's No.2 carmaker warned on Tuesday.
Rivian shares tumble as supply-chain woes cut production outlook in half
Rivian Automotive Inc warned on Thursday that supply-chain issues could cut its planned production in half in 2022 to 25,000 vehicles, sending shares of the EV maker down more than 12% in extended trading.
White House aims to boost supply chain information sharing
The White House on Tuesday unveiled a new pilot effort to help clear supply chain bottlenecks at congested U.S. ports by getting truckers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers and other businesses to share information.
Canada, U.S. shippers brace for possible CP Rail strike, latest supply-chain disruption
Thousands of workers at Canada's second-biggest railway, Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd, have threatened to strike this week, potentially disrupting the movement of grain, potash and coal at a time of soaring commodity prices.
Apple supplier Foxconn sees possible revenue hit from supply chain woes
Apple supplier Foxconn forecast an up to 3% fall in revenue for the year in what could be its first annual sales decline in six years, as a shortage of chips squeezes smartphone production and demand cools following a surge during the pandemic.
Retailer Canadian Tire to strengthen game with over $2 bln investment
Canadian Tire Corp Ltd said on Thursday it would invest C$3.4 billion ($2.66 billion) over the next four years on its physical and online presence, as it looks to build on the gains made from the pandemic-led online surge.
Amazon to divert freight as some Chinese cities go under lockdown
Amazon.com Inc said it would counter any disruptions due to the lockdowns in Chinese cities by diverting freight to warehouses in unaffected regions, as companies rush to comply with the country's controls to curb the spread of COVID-19.
U.S. consumers to spend record $1 trillion online in 2022 – report
U.S. consumer spending on e-commerce is expected to hit a record $1 trillion this year thanks to the pandemic-driven shift to online shopping, a report from Adobe Analytics showed on Tuesday.
Primark puts click-and-collect on radar as expansion gathers pace
Budget fashion chain Primark, which has shunned the extra cost of home delivery, could add click-and-collect services to its revamped website over time, but still sees new stores in markets such as Italy and the United States as its main growth driver.
China's JD Logistics agrees to buy courier company Deppon
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com Inc on Sunday said that its subsidiary JD Logistics Inc has agreed to buy domestic courier Deppon Logistics Co Ltd.
TuSimple explores sale of China unit after pact with U.S. authorities-sources
Autonomous trucking startup TuSimple Holdings Inc, backed by Chinese social media firm Sina Corp, is looking to sell its business in China and focus on the U.S. market, sources said.
Capacity crunch crimps Australia's war-time commodity bonanza
Phones are ringing off the hook in Australia as buyers hunt for supplies of coal, gas and wheat to replace cargoes from Russia and war-torn Ukraine, but local producers are being hampered by infrastructural and labour constraints.
From elsewhere around the web:
Is this the calm before California ports’ next cargo storm? [Freight Waves]
Congestion concerns as Shenzhen shuts down. [Port Technology]
Trains and planes take the strain as Ukraine war impacts supply chains. [The Loadstar]