The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 8th April 2022
The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists
Toyota cuts '22 U.S. new-car sales industry outlook on supply-chain issues
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) on Wednesday cut its 2022 outlook for the U.S. auto industry's new-car sales, citing the struggles in the supply-chain caused by the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
UK's Co-op warns of 'stark' headwinds after supply-chain woes
Britain's Co-operative Group (42TE.L) warned of "stark" economic headwinds, with rising inflation causing more challenges for the supermarkets-to-funerals provider this year after supply-chain disruptions hurt its profit in 2021.
Logistics giants hedge their bets in uncertain U.S. self-driving truck race
U.S. self-driving truck companies have a golden opportunity in the form of a nationwide driver shortage, but their robot drivers still are not ready and neither are their biggest potential customers.
Walmart boosts industry-leading U.S. trucker pay to $110,000, starts retraining program
Walmart (WMT.N) said it is boosting starting pay for its 12,000 long-haul truck drivers who deliver merchandise to its stores and Sam's Clubs locations amid a U.S. shortage of drivers that threatens to prolong supply chain snarls and merchandise shortages.
Canadian firms pressured by labor shortage, supply chains - Bank of Canada survey
A record number of Canadian businesses are facing capacity pressures amid intense labor shortages and ongoing supply chain difficulties, with many expecting significant wage and input price growth, a regular Bank of Canada survey said on Monday.
Column: U.S. uses Cold War powers to secure battery metals supply
U.S. President Joe Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate the build-out of a domestic battery materials supply chain.
White House warns of 'escalating vulnerabilities' to U.S. from semiconductor shortage
The White House held a classified briefing on Wednesday with some U.S. lawmakers on the dire risks to the American economy from semiconductor supply chain issues as it pushes Congress for $52 billion in funding to subsidize production.
Taiwan March exports hit new record, Ukraine war clouds outlook
Taiwan’s exports rose for a 21st straight month in March to a new record in line with forecasts, boosted by continued strong tech demand, though the government warned of continued supply chain uncertainty and the effect of the war in Ukraine.
Car sales in India rise but automakers warn of supply chain disruptions
Carmakers in India reported a sharp rise in annual sales for the fiscal year 2022 on Friday, but warned of future risks from global supply chain disruptions.
Conagra profit forecast clouded by inflation as demand stays robust
Conagra Brands Inc cut its full-year profit forecast on Thursday as multiple price hikes and resilient demand failed to provide a bulwark against inflationary pressures and costs stemming from supply chain snarls.
Exclusive: Canada to invest C$2 billion on mineral strategy for EV battery supply chain
Canada's federal budget will include an investment of at least C$2 billion ($1.6 billion) for a strategy to accelerate the production and processing of critical minerals needed for the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain, two senior government sources said.
Nissan delays Ariya electric SUV sales again, citing supply chain woes
Nissan Motor Co (7201.T) is pushing back the release date of the electric Ariya B6 SUV again due to a global shortage of semiconductors and other supply chain disruptions, the Japanese automaker said in a statement late on Monday.
Over 50 Amazon warehouses in U.S. contact union after New York vote
Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) labor organizer Christian Smalls said on Tuesday more than 50 warehouses of the e-commerce giant in the U.S. reached out after its warehouse in New York City voted to form the first union at the company.
UPS tries out 'eQuad' electric bikes for urban deliveries
UPS (UPS.N) said on Friday it was trying out a four-wheeled "eQuad" electric cargo bike for deliveries in densely packed urban areas, where bikes have better and easier access, to complement its push into electric vehicles.
Staff walk out over pay at Amazon France's eight logistics centres
All eight logistics centres of U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon (AMZN.O) in France were hit by staff walkouts tied to a dispute over pay after employees at the Boves centre in northern France joined in on Tuesday, a union representative said.
EXCLUSIVE Ship fuel suppliers stop serving Russian vessels in the Med - sources
Marine fuel sellers have stopped serving vessels flying the Russian flag at major European hubs including Spain and Malta in another blow to Moscow's exports, five industry sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
Shipping group CMA CGM to buy auto logistics firm Gefco - Les Echos
Shipping group CMA CGM is set to buy auto transport company Gefco, French paper Les Echos reported on Friday, citing sources close to the matter.
No poop for you: Manure supplies run short as fertilizer prices soar
For nearly two decades, Abe Sandquist has used every marketing tool he can think of to sell the back end of a cow. Poop, after all, needs to go somewhere. The Midwestern entrepreneur has worked hard to woo farmers on its benefits for their crops.
It should be boom time for employment in the trucking industry. Washington is cutting red tape while employers are offering $15,000 bonuses to address driver shortages and mitigate supply-chain disruptions. But drivers are still scarce.
Floating mines in Black Sea endangering grain, oil trade, officials say
The risk of coming across floating mines in the major Black Sea shipping route is adding to perils for merchant ships sailing in the region, and governments must ensure safe passage to keep supply chains running, maritime officials say.
Toymaker Mattel expands Mexican plant in 'nearshoring' push
Mattel Inc (MAT.O)top-selling toys like Mega Bloks will now be made in Mexico, as the U.S. toymaker becomes the latest company to move its supply chain closer to home.
Thousands of goods railcars stuck at Ukraine’s border as war hits exports
In western Ukraine, some 1,100 train wagons carrying grain are stuck near the main rail border crossing with Poland, unable to transport their cargo abroad.
From elsewhere around the web:
The Supply Chain Crisis Is About to Get a Lot Worse. [Wired]
Cargo backlog ripples beyond Shanghai as lockdown stops trucks. [Freightwaves]
U.K. Brexit Border IT System Plagued by Outages as Queues Build. [Bloomberg]