Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Updated 57m ago
AI crowned top logistics disruptor by supply‑chain leaders
Over 70% of surveyed executives rank artificial intelligence as the leading technology to reshape logistics in the next decade, while 41% have already deployed AI solutions. A Deloitte‑MHI survey of 500 professionals reveals 47% plan AI adoption within five years, targeting inventory optimization, predictive maintenance and automated decision‑making.
Also developing:
By the numbers: EMP Metals raises $3.2M for Aurora Lithium project
Ilika Hits Key Manufacturing Milestones as Automotive Partnerships Grow - Part 4
Ilika’s latest update highlights a series of manufacturing milestones as it moves solid‑state battery technology toward commercial scale. The company cites deepening ties with high‑profile OEM Jaguar Land Rover, academic input from Oxford’s Professor Paul Shearing, and a strategic partnership with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UK BIC) to accelerate electrode coating and large‑volume production. Central to the rollout is the PRIMED programme, which structures development into A‑sample (minimum viable product), B‑sample (industrial‑scale equipment) and C‑sample (limited production run) stages. Alongside these technical steps, Ilika is building a robust economic model and conducting a business‑case review with HSSMI, aiming to prove commercial viability within the next 12‑24 months. The firm points to concrete proof points on the horizon: performance feedback on 10 Ah prototype cells released at the end of 2025, similar to the earlier 2 Ah cells, and potential licensing agreements mirroring its Stereax success. Executives envision a future where Ilika’s solid‑state batteries power electric vehicles, underscoring the strategic importance of these collaborations. If Ilika achieves its target of two production‑ready product lines—Stereax in medical devices and Goliath solid‑state batteries for EVs—by decade’s end, it could secure a self‑sustaining revenue stream and become a key supplier in the emerging EV battery market.
Ivanhoe's Kipushi Zinc Set for US via Project Vault
We were at the White House in February for the launch of Project Vault, a $12 billion supply‑chain security programme launched by the U.S. and backed by @EximBankUS. At the same time we announced that @IvanhoeMines_ is in discussions with @Gecamines...
Delay Outsourcing Fulfillment; Leaders End up Packing Boxes
60% of online retailers already outsource at least part of their fulfilment. The ones who wait too long? They're the ones spending leadership time packing boxes instead of growing the business. Know the signs 👇 https://t.co/r4ctl4lH4h
Fire at Australian Refinery Fuels Petrol Shortage Fears
The video reports a fire breaking out at the Mogas plant of an Australian refinery, burning across a roughly 30‑by‑30‑meter zone and remaining uncontrolled overnight. Emergency crews have deployed extensive water streams and activated isolation valves to limit the blaze...
Aya Closes $7 Million Series A to Scale On-Demand Fashion Model
Saudi‑based fashion e‑commerce startup Aya closed a SAR 26 million ($7 million) Series A round, led by RAED Ventures with participation from Nuwa Capital, Sanabil Investments (PIF), Joa Capital and Khwarizmi Ventures. Founded in 2024, Aya’s demand‑driven platform tests more than 700 designs each...
Smart Integrations with Your Favourite Tools
Webshops often suffer from fragmented data across storefronts, marketplaces, and warehouses, leading to stock mismatches and missed orders. Smart integrations—exemplified by Gomonta’s connectors for ecommerce platforms, carriers, and ERP systems—centralize sales, inventory, and shipment information on a single dashboard. Automation...
CargoSense Lands Strategic Investment From MegaChips to Scale AI‑Driven Supply‑Chain Platform
CargoSense announced a strategic investment from Japan's MegaChips Corporation, forming a partnership to bring its autonomous supply‑chain execution platform to data‑center construction and pharmaceutical logistics. While the financial terms were not disclosed, the deal signals rapid adoption of AI‑driven coordination...
Broadcom to Supply Custom AI Accelerators to Meta in Multi‑Year Deal
Broadcom announced a multi‑year agreement to provide Meta Platforms with custom AI accelerator chips built on its XPU platform, backed by an initial one‑gigawatt capacity. The partnership sent Broadcom shares up 4.19% and Meta shares up 1.37% as the two...
UK Prepares for Food Shortages in Worst Case Scenario as Iran War Continues
UK officials are drafting worst‑case contingency plans for food shortages if the Iran‑Israel conflict keeps the Strait of Hormuz closed and carbon‑dioxide supplies falter. The government has already re‑started the Ensus bioethanol plant to safeguard CO₂, a key input for...
BRP Halts 2027 Outlook as New U.S. Tariffs Add $365M Cost Hit
BRP Inc. withdrew its fiscal 2027 earnings guidance after a U.S. tariff amendment imposed a 25% levy on the full value of imported snowmobiles and most off‑road vehicles, creating an estimated C$500 million ($365 million) cost increase. The announcement triggered a 35%...
US April Philly Fed Business Index +26.7 vs +10.0 Expected
The Philadelphia Fed’s March manufacturing survey posted a robust index of +26.7, far outpacing the +10.0 forecast. New orders surged to 33.0 and shipments rose to 34.0, marking the strongest activity in months. However, the employment component slipped into negative...
Skild AI Acquires Zebra Technologies’ Robotics Automation Business
Skild AI announced the acquisition of Zebra Technologies’ robotics automation business, including the Symmetry Fulfillment orchestration platform. The deal adds Zebra’s proven coordination software to Skild’s omnibodied AI, the Skild Brain, which can operate any robot without hardware‑specific training. Skild...
U.S. Enforces Blockade on Iranian Waters, Deploys Forces
Big sstatements by General Caine of @thejointstaff ▶️Blockade will be enforced on international waters and IRANIAN national waters ▶️ @INDOPACOM will be supporting @CENTCOM in the diversion, interception and boarding of blockade runners. https://t.co/52G3zd62Hr
Europe Could Run Out of Jet Fuel in 6 Weeks, IEA Chief Tells AP
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that Europe could run out of jet fuel within six weeks if the Strait of Hormuz blockade persists. The shortage threatens the aviation sector, which generates roughly $1 trillion in GDP and supports 14 million jobs across...
India Could Limit Sulphur Exports as Supplies Tighten, Sources Say
India is weighing limits on sulphur exports as domestic supplies tighten amid falling Middle East imports and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The country imports about 2 million metric tons a year, roughly half from the Middle East, while shipping...
CMF Bahrain Details Absolute and Conditional Contraband to Iran
The Joint Maritime Information Center of @CMF_Bahrain has issued a Blockade Update with specifics on absolute and conditional contraband to Iran. https://t.co/OZWjeqzBMT https://t.co/4YV8F7Ixa7
India Imports LNG From US, Oman, and Nigeria in March as Qatar, UAE Supplies Dry Up
India’s LNG imports fell 20% year‑on‑year to 1.2 million tonnes in March 2026 after Qatar and UAE cargoes stopped amid escalating Middle‑East tensions. The shortfall, equivalent to about 47.4 MSCMD of gas, was partially offset by higher shipments from the United States, Oman and...
