Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Oman transit corridor revives India’s West Asia trade
India’s May 2026 exports to West Asia rebounded to $5.30 billion after a sharp March dip, thanks to a new transit corridor through Oman’s Sohar, Salalah and Duqm ports that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The recovery was led by the UAE, where shipments rose 3.18% year‑on‑year, and Saudi Arabia, which also saw notable gains.
Also developing:
By the numbers: GIA acquires 30% stake in De Beers' Tracr blockchain platform
Altilium EV Battery Recycling Expands with New Investment Round
Altilium, a UK‑based clean‑tech firm, has opened a new investment round on Republic Europe, bolstered by a £18.5 million UK government grant (about $23.5 million). The capital will expand the ACT3 recycling plant in Plymouth and fund a commercial‑scale facility in Teesside, lifting domestic EV‑battery processing capacity. Using its proprietary EcoCathode™ and EcoAnode™ technologies, Altilium claims to recover more than 95% of lithium, cobalt, nickel and other critical minerals from spent batteries. By inviting both retail and institutional investors, the round reflects a broader move to democratise infrastructure financing in the green economy.
Packaging Under Pressure: European Investment Bank’s Deputy Ops Chief on War Shocks and Alt Plastics
European Investment Bank deputy director Elina Roine highlighted the fragility of Europe’s packaging supply chain, noting that while recycling rates have risen to about 42%, high energy costs and geopolitical tensions undermine competitiveness. She emphasized the bank’s role in financing sustainable...
Elemental Forces Set to Collide in IMO NZF Battle
The International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero Framework (NZF) is under intense scrutiny at the 84th Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting, as the United States, backed by several nations, pushes to derail the policy. Environmental groups are staging high‑visibility protests, while...
Chinese Solar Exports Surge 125% in March on Policy Change Rush, Not Underlying Demand Acceleration
Chinese customs data show solar module exports surged 125% month‑on‑month in March 2026, reaching $3.61 billion in value and about 37 GW in volume. The spike stems from manufacturers front‑loading shipments before China ends its PV export tax rebates on April 1, aided...
Laude Smart Intermodal Expand Into Lithuania
Laude Smart Intermodal has partnered with Lithuanian rail operator LTG Cargo to launch intermodal services via the Šeštokai terminal, linking Poland and Lithuania on European‑gauge lines. The collaboration leverages LTG Cargo’s licences in Latvia and Estonia, strengthening the North‑West rail...
M&S to Expand Low Emission Heavy Goods Vehicle Fleet
Marks & Spencer plans to expand its low‑emission heavy‑goods vehicle fleet by increasing its biomethane‑powered trucks to over 300 units by March 2027. The bio‑CNG trucks emit up to 85% less CO₂ than conventional diesel trucks, supporting M&S’s Plan A Net Zero...
USD 2 Billion to Improve Rail Transport in the U.S.
The Trump administration, via the U.S. Department of Transportation, announced more than $2 billion in federal funding to upgrade America’s rail network. The money will be awarded competitively to projects that cut congestion, boost passenger ridership, modernize freight corridors, and enhance...
Case Packing and Palletizing Automation in 2026: Adapting to SKU Growth and Tighter Labor Markets
Food manufacturers are confronting a surge in SKUs that strains traditional case packing and palletizing operations. Labor shortages at the end of the line are turning automation from a cost‑saving tool into a staffing necessity. Modern equipment from Pacteon’s Schneider...
Qatar LNG Faces Long Road Back After Unprecedented Disruption
Qatar’s LNG export machine suffered its steepest decline in over 20 years, dropping to 0.23 million tonnes in April—about 85 % below the nine‑year average—after the Strait of Hormuz closed and missile strikes disabled trains 4 and 6. Analysts forecast a three‑phase...
4 Emerging Supply Chain Roles Will Lead the Agentic AI Revolution. Here’s What They Require.
Supply chain professionals are being urged to transition into emerging AI‑focused positions as agentic artificial intelligence reshapes procurement, logistics, and demand planning. Four roles—AI Supply Chain Leader, Agent Operations Manager, No‑Code Procurement Designer, and Supply Chain Workflow Architect—are identified as...
Retailers Warned Food and Fuel Price Hikes Could Last Eight Months After Iran War Ends
UK officials warn that food and fuel prices could stay elevated for more than eight months after the Iran‑related conflict ends. The disruption stems from a Strait of Hormuz blockade that curtails oil, gas and ammonia shipments, feeding higher energy...
Drilling Equipment Manufacturer Metzke Announces East Rockingham Expansion
Australian drilling equipment maker Metzke announced a $22 million investment to build an advanced manufacturing facility in East Rockingham, Western Australia. The 20,000 sqm site, more than double its current footprint, will feature a 3,500 sqm warehouse for large‑scale fabrication, machining and assembly,...
Feedgrain Focus: Boat to Brisbane Likely as Northern Wheat Climbs
A 30,000‑tonne wheat cargo from South or Western Australia is expected to sail to Brisbane as Queensland’s feed‑grain deficit deepens. Traders cite delivered prices of about A$460/t (≈US$300/t) and freight of A$125/t (≈US$80/t), making WA wheat competitive for local poultry...
Ghana’s Fuel Payment Strategy Works for Now: How to Fix Longer Term Problems
In 2023 Ghana launched a gold‑for‑oil payment scheme, using domestically mined gold instead of scarce US dollars to settle petroleum imports. The arrangement eased pressure on the cedi, helped curb fuel‑price inflation to roughly 3‑4% by early 2026, and lowered...
Container Shipping’s ‘Long Covid’ Reshapes Capacity
Container shipping is grappling with a "long covid" effect, as vessel reliability remains poor. Sea‑Intelligence data shows capacity absorbed by delays has risen to 4‑6% of global slots, roughly double the pre‑pandemic 2.2% level. Average delay times have settled at...
Norse Atlantic Renews Jettainer ULD Partnership Early
Norse Atlantic Airways has renewed its ULD partnership with Jettainer ahead of schedule, extending the airline‑specific fleet management agreement. Jettainer will continue to supply and oversee containers and pallets for the carrier’s long‑haul Boeing 787 network, using its JettwareNG platform...
CPO Crunch: Making Sustainability ‘Economically Bombproof’
Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) are increasingly forced to justify sustainability projects with concrete financial returns, as regulation and cash flow dominate decision‑making. The conversation with Gianluca Colombo, CPO of dsm‑firmenich, highlighted the need for aggressive near‑term targets to make long‑term...
Enesel Pivots Back to Bulk with Capesize Newbuilds in China
Greek-owned Enesel Group is re‑entering the dry bulk market by ordering two 181,500 dwt capesize vessels from China’s Hengli Shipbuilding. The ships are slated for delivery in the third quarter of 2027, marking the firm’s first new bulk builds after selling...
Executive Column: Bluebird Stays Course Amid Rising Fuel Costs, Stiffer Competit...
Bluebird, Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, is grappling with higher fuel costs triggered by the U.S.-Israeli conflict’s impact on oil markets and a weaker rupiah. CEO Adrianto Djokosoetono says the company can absorb some price hikes for subsidized gasoline and diesel...
How Point Clouds Are Revolutionizing Manufacturing Quality Control
Point‑cloud scanning is replacing traditional touch‑probe and CMM sampling with full‑field inspection, capturing millions of surface points in seconds. The technology enables manufacturers to compare entire as‑built geometries against CAD models with micron‑level accuracy, reducing blind spots and rework. Integrated...
M.H. Eby Announces New Truck Body Distributors in Pa., Utah, La.
M.H. Eby Inc. has added three new distributors—Robinson Brothers in Louisiana, John Bonham Road Equipment & Supply in Pennsylvania, and Cowboy Upfitters in Utah—expanding its North American network for aluminum truck‑body solutions. The partnerships aim to improve product availability, technical...
How Much Do Automated Teller Machines Cost?
Switzerland’s cash supply network costs between $704 million and $968 million annually, with each ATM requiring $50‑$60 k per year and about $2.20 per withdrawal. The expense structure is dominated by fixed personnel, infrastructure, and security costs, so fewer transactions raise per‑withdrawal costs....
Partnership to Advance Automated Inspection in Smart Manufacturing
3D Infotech and Doosan Robotics announced a strategic partnership to deliver a fully integrated, AI‑driven inspection system for smart factories. Doosan will provide its collaborative robot platforms while 3D Infotech contributes its metrology automation software, creating a turnkey solution that...
Iran War Disrupts the Circuit Board Supply Chain, Raises Costs for Tech Firms
The Iran‑Saudi conflict has crippled the Jubail petrochemical complex, cutting off roughly 70% of the world’s high‑purity polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin used for printed circuit board (PCB) laminates. As a result, PCB prices surged up to 40% in April, while...
The Company that Defied Trump’s Tariff War
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The Agentic Shift in Procurement: The Rise of Autonomous Processes
Procurement is moving from manual, digitized processes to agentic AI that can autonomously execute tasks. Coupa’s VP Viji Doraiswamy explains that orchestration engines now drive requests beyond intake, coordinating policies and approvals without human bottlenecks. The shift forces leaders to...
Amid Energy Crisis, Chinese Solar Exports Double
China's solar equipment exports doubled in March, reaching 68 GW—a volume comparable to Spain's total solar capacity. The surge follows the Iran‑Hormuz oil disruption, prompting Asian and African nations to replace fossil‑fuel imports with Chinese panels. A temporary rise in export...
T-Global to Strengthen Strengthening VC Vapor Chamber Mass Production and Expand Global Footprint with New Vietnam Facility in Q3
T-Global Technology is opening a new manufacturing plant in Hung Yen, Vietnam, slated for Q3 2026. The facility will initially mass‑produce vapor chambers and introduce high‑thermal‑conductivity silicone pads, expanding the company’s advanced thermal‑management portfolio. Leveraging Taiwan’s R&D expertise, the Vietnam hub...
Atul Auto to Produce 15k Rapid‑Charge EV Three‑Wheelers
Atul Auto Limited has formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Exponent Energy Private Limited for manufacturing and supplying 15,000 electric three-wheelers worth Rs 490.50 crore. The three-year partnership, disclosed under SEBI Regulation 30, involves vehicles with 15-minute rapid...
US Mint Illegally Uses Foreign Gold Despite Bipartisan Bans
“Every year, the United States Mint sells more than $1B of investment-grade gold coins. Each is stamped with an icon like the bald eagle, signifying the government’s guarantee, required by law, that the gold is 100% American. “Congress in 1985 prohibited...
FuelEU Maritime Calculation Error Exposes Operators to Millions in Unintended Penalties
A flaw in EMSA's Thetis compliance system miscalculated ice‑class voyages under the EU FuelEU Maritime rule, causing compliant operators to receive incorrect emission balances. The error persisted past the March 31 2026 verification deadline, locking many pools with inflated compliance figures. EMSA...
China Threatens EU Countermeasures over New Import‑protection Law
China has warned the EU that it will take “countermeasures” if its companies are hurt by a proposed new European law aimed at bolstering the bloc’s industry against cheaper imports. by @LeahyJoseph & Wenjie Ding https://t.co/nRqcmoJu9F
Global Chokepoints Under Siege: Next Target?
🎯Panama Canal kicked it off, Red Sea followed (Suez Canal and Bab Al Mandab), now Hormuz Strait. 🎯Next target?
Somali Piracy Warning as Second Ship Hijacked
A second vessel was hijacked off Somalia, prompting heightened piracy alerts. The UKMTO reported a cargo ship seized 6 nm northeast of Garacad and earlier the Palau‑flagged tanker Honour 25 seized 30 nm offshore, carrying 17 crew and 18,500 barrels of oil. The...
China Loses Monopoly on Military‑critical Rare Earth Samarian
A bit of good supply chain news; China no longer has a monopoly on the refining of Samarian, a rare earth with important military uses 1/ https://t.co/Co909XqIbs
Trump’s 3‑day Oil Crisis Claim Vastly Overstated
Trump says 3 days till Iran's storage is full That's exaggerated & assumes the blockade works perfectly. It barely works at all. In reality, Iran has weeks of storage, floating barrels, & workarounds. That doesn't mean Iran feels no pressure. Just not as much as...
Archer Secures $320m Equinor Contract Extension
Archer, a Norwegian offshore service provider, has secured a three‑year contract extension with Equinor worth roughly NOK 3 billion ($322.5 million). The deal expands the integrated wireline and intervention services originally awarded in 2021 across key Equinor assets on the Norwegian Continental Shelf....
Energy and Material Limits End Growth, Demand Honesty
My take on @ctindale 's excellent essay: Forget ingenuity and action-hero fantasies. The future is about energy & material limits. You dismissed the End of Growth because debt pushed the day of reckoning forward. It’s here. Time to cut the bullshit & get honest. #Energy...
MARKET CALL: Devil-May-Care
The note forecasts the S&P 500 hovering around 7,000 with a year‑end target of 7,700, assuming a mid‑year resolution to the Strait of Hormuz stalemate. It highlights a barbell positioning—overweight Energy and market‑weight IT—because both sectors trade above their 200‑day...
ASE Recognizes Outstanding Suppliers of 2025
ASE Technology Holding hosted its annual Supplier Day, gathering over 100 partners under the "Innovation of Synergy" theme. The event highlighted the semiconductor sector’s surge, with AI and high‑performance computing pushing global revenue past $1 trillion by 2026. ASE recognized a...
U.S. Crude Tanker Delivers 910,000 Barrels to Japan, First Shipment Since Iran Crisis
The M/V Otis arrived in Tokyo Bay on April 26 with 910,000 barrels of U.S. crude from Texas after a 35‑day journey through the Panama Canal, the first direct U.S. shipment to Japan since the Iran crisis. The delivery underscores...
Hormuz Strait Blockade Strands 20,000 Seafarers on 2,000 Vessels, Exposing Global Shipping Fragility
The U.S.–Iran clash over the Strait of Hormuz has stranded roughly 20,000 seafarers aboard 2,000 vessels, underscoring how geopolitical disputes can weaponize commercial shipping. The International Maritime Organization warns that naval escorts are not a lasting fix and calls for...
Etihad Rail Ships Nissan Cars by Train, UAE Marks First Finished‑Vehicle Rail Load
Etihad Rail moved a batch of Nissan cars from eastern ports to Abu Dhabi’s Industrial City, delivering the UAE’s first rail shipment of finished vehicles. The milestone showcases the country’s push for sustainable logistics and offers an alternative to road...
BV Calls for Greater Connectivity Across Value Chains
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore used Singapore Maritime Week to unveil its roadmap for a digitally‑connected, low‑carbon shipping ecosystem. Executive Vice‑President Matthieu de Tugny said decarbonization, digitalization and resilience will converge, pushing the industry from isolated vessel tweaks to end‑to‑end value‑chain...
Phoenix Metro Logs $991M Industrial Sales in Record Q1, Vacancy Hits 9.2%
Colliers reports that the Greater Phoenix industrial market posted its strongest quarter ever, with $990.8 million in sales—a 24% year‑over‑year rise—and vacancy slipping to 9.2%. The surge was driven by high‑profile leases from logistics giants such as AWS, DHL and...
U.S. Stock Futures Slip 0.3% as Iran Talks Stall and Oil Prices Surge
U.S. stock futures fell on Sunday, with Dow Jones futures down 0.2% and S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures each slipping 0.3% after Iran‑U.S. peace talks stalled and oil prices rose above $96 a barrel. The move underscores how quickly...
L2 Aviation Acquires Advance Aero to Accelerate Vertical Integration in Aerospace
L2 Aviation announced the acquisition of Indiana‑based Advance Aero, bringing aerospace‑grade machining and sheet‑metal fabrication under its umbrella. The deal is designed to tighten supply‑chain control, shorten lead times and expand L2’s turnkey aircraft modification platform.
China Forms Shenzhen Consortium to Build Domestic Robot Electronics Stack
The Shenzhen Robot Association, Beijing Robot Innovation Center, Dongtu Technology, and Dongfang Precision Engineering launched a domestic robot electronic architecture consortium on April 22. The group will develop an open, unified hardware‑software stack to address fragmented standards and boost supply‑chain...
PwC Unveils ‘Factory of the Future’ Blueprint Leveraging AI, IoT and Google Cloud
PwC released a thought‑leadership report titled “Factory of the Future with AI, IoT and Google Cloud,” outlining concrete technology roadmaps for manufacturers. The report cites its 2026 Global Industrial Manufacturing Sector Outlook, which projects the share of firms planning high‑level...
Eurozone Inflation Hits 3% in April, Driven by War‑Fuelled Energy Spike
Euro‑zone inflation is expected to have risen to about 3% in April, the strongest pace in two and a half years, as the Iran conflict pushes energy costs higher. The surge threatens consumer spending, corporate margins and puts the European...