The need to know

The need to know for the week ending 30th April 2021

The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists

Panasonic to buy U.S. supply-chain software firm Blue Yonder for $7.1 bln

In its biggest acquisition in a decade, Panasonic Corp on Friday said it will buy U.S. supply-chain software company Blue Yonder in a deal worth $7.1 billion, to tap growing demand from companies as the COVID pandemic tests their resilience to disruption.

DSV Panalpina buys Agility unit for $4 bln to become No. 3 freight forwarder

DSV Panalpina said on Tuesday it had agreed to acquire the logistics division of Kuwait's Agility Public Warehousing Co in an all-share deal worth $4.1 billion, creating the world's third largest freight forwarding company.

U.S. goods trade deficit vaults to record high in March

The U.S. trade deficit in goods jumped to a record high in March, suggesting trade was a drag on economic growth in the first quarter, but that was likely offset by robust domestic demand amid massive government aid.

From chips to drivers, euro zone firms warn supply is tight: ECB

Euro zone manufacturers cannot get enough computer chips and other key inputs to keep up with growing demands, resulting in lower economic activity and higher prices, the European Central Bank said on Friday.

3M warns of higher costs due to supply chain disruptions

U.S. conglomerate 3M Co said supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the February winter storm were pushing its costs higher, after it posted a profit beat on pandemic-fuelled demand for safety products.

U.S. solar industry unveils guidelines to free supply chain of forced labour

The top U.S. solar industry trade group on Thursday issued a set of voluntary guidelines to solar panel manufacturers that it said could help rid products installed in the United States of components built abroad with forced labour.

AMD lifts revenue forecast, CEO says supply chain has improved

Advanced Micro Devices Inc raised its annual revenue forecast on Tuesday, betting on strong demand for its chips used in data centres and personal computers as its chief executive said she was confident the company could source the chips despite a global supply shortage.

Auto parts maker Dana flags rising costs, chip shortage hit

Dana Inc warned of shipping constraints and higher costs due to supply chain disruptions as the auto parts maker battles a global semiconductor chip shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maersk boosts outlook on surging demand
Shipping group Maersk has announced big jumps in its full-year guidance after a strong first-quarter performance driven by high demand which has led to supply bottlenecks and higher freight rates.

Jaguar Land Rover output at two UK plants hit by chips shortage
Output at two of Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) British car factories will be temporarily halted from Monday, due to COVID-19 supply chain disruption, including a lack of semi-conductors, the firm said on Thursday.

UPS soars on record results, stock leaps

United Parcel Service Inc on Tuesday posted record quarterly profit and revenue on pandemic-fuelled demand for doorstep deliveries and air transportation.

Kuehne & Nagel remains cautious after strong Q1 results

Swiss logistics group Kuehne & Nagel International said on Monday it remains cautious about this year even though its core earnings more than doubled in the first quarter due to strong demand in pharma and e-commerce.

DS Smith warns of rise in packaging prices due to COVID-19 as online shopping booms

Britain’s DS Smith warned on Thursday of higher packaging prices as an online shopping boom during the pandemic has led to a surge in demand for boxes, coupled with a shortage of raw materials and higher paper prices.

UK retailers warn of higher prices as costs rise

British retailers are likely to have to put prices up due to Brexit costs and a global rise in shipping rates and commodity prices, a trade body warned on Wednesday.

From elsewhere around the web:

There are enough containers for global trade – they're just in the wrong places.[The Loadstar]

UPS expands weekend capacity, pricing to 'remain firm'.[Supply Chain Dive]

How Will Biden's Climate Change Summit Affect the Supply Chain?[SDC Exec]

$70K for part-time driver? Covenant CEO says that could be fine for some.[Freight Waves]

Panama Canal begins transition to become carbon neutral by 2030.[Port Technology]

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