The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 27th August 2021
The need to know from Reuters’ global network of journalists
McDonald's milkshakes off the British menu after supply chain issues
McDonald's (MCD.N) said it had taken milkshakes and bottled drinks off the menu at all of its British restaurants as it battled the supply chain issues that are hitting businesses across the retail and hospitality sector.
Britain's Greggs becomes latest food business hit by supply chain crisis
Greggs Plc (GRG.L)said on Wednesday the U.K. bakery and fast food chain has become the latest food business to be hit by supply chain interruptions that are impacting businesses across the retail and hospitality sector in Britain.
Most German companies grappling with bottlenecks, price rises – DIHK
Material shortages and higher costs are creating headwinds for the majority of German companies, a survey by Germany’s DIHK Chambers of Industry and Commerce showed on Thursday, potentially complicating their recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
COVID-fuelled semiconductor crunch chips away at carmakers
In grim warnings this week, major carmakers including Toyota (7203.T) and Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) offered fresh evidence that the auto industry remains firmly in the grip of an ongoing semiconductor chip shortage that shows no sign of abating.
Toyota North America will sharply cut production in August
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) said Thursday it expects to see a drop in production of 60,000 to 90,000 vehicles in North America in August, citing COVID-19, unexpected events in its supply chain and the ongoing semiconductor chips shortage.
Delta variant, supply woes crimp business activity in August - IHS Markit survey
U.S. business activity growth slowed for a third straight month in August as capacity constraints, supply shortages and the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus weaken the momentum of the rebound from last year's pandemic-induced recession.
Medical equipment maker Elekta sees higher supply chain costs, shares fall
Radiation therapy equipment maker Elekta said on Wednesday it was preparing for more high supply chain and related costs after profits tumbled in the three months to July.
U.S. VP Harris meets company execs in Singapore to discuss supply shortages
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met company executives in Singapore on Tuesday to discuss supply shortages of essential items that have plagued the Biden administration and contributed to inflation.
Maersk accelerates fleet decarbonisation with new vessel order
A.P. Moller-Maersk (MAERSKb.CO) said on Tuesday it had ordered eight vessels which are able to run on carbon-neutral methanol to accelerate the decarbonisation of its fleet and meet increased customer demand for greener transportation.
S. Africa's Massmart in talks to buy grocery service OneCart
South Africa’s Massmart is in advanced talks to buy a controlling stake in grocery delivery service OneCart Pty Ltd as part of a push to grow its e-commerce business, the Walmart-owned retailer said on Wednesday.
Russia's Yandex launches e-grocery delivery in Paris
Russian internet giant Yandex has launched an online grocery delivery service in Paris under the Yango Deli brand, it said on Tuesday, pursuing global expansion as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive demand for online delivery services.
German logistics firm Trans-o-Flex set to expand in Europe
German logistics group Trans-o-Flex, which sources say is preparing a Frankfurt listing as early as next month, wants to boost growth by expanding into neighbouring countries, its chief executive said on Wednesday.
Ever Given, the ship that blocked Suez Canal in March, crosses the canal again
The giant container ship Ever Given, which blocked the Suez canal for six days in March, crossed the waterway on Friday for the first time since it left Egypt after the incident.
Taiwan July export orders leap again, COVID variants a concern
Taiwan's export orders grew more than expected in July and the government said the outlook for the island's tech goods remains strong on demand for high-end chips, though it warned the spread of COVID-19 variants may further disrupt global supply chains.
The electric vehicle boom is pay-dirt for factory machinery makers
The investment surge by both new and established automakers in the electric vehicle market is a bonanza for factory equipment manufacturers that supply the highly automated picks and shovels for the prospectors in the EV gold rush.
From elsewhere around the web:
Meishan Terminal in Ningbo resumes operations [Supply Chain Dive]
Battle of the shipping booms: Containers ‘21 vs dry bulk ‘07-’08 [Freight Waves]
Maersk: COVID-19 flare-ups ‘causing havoc’ across Asia Pacific [Port Technology]
UK shippers and hauliers struggle as new customs regime for exports looms [The Loadstar]
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