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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.

Hetauda Cement Halts Production Again Amid Coal Shortages
NewsApr 16, 2026

Hetauda Cement Halts Production Again Amid Coal Shortages

Hetauda Cement, Nepal’s state‑owned cement producer, has halted operations again because it ran out of coal. The plant requires roughly 120 tons of coal per day, but unpaid supplier invoices have prevented new deliveries. A brief restart in late March proved...

By International Cement Review
The EU–India Deal Is Not Enough. India Needs Investment – Now
BlogApr 16, 2026

The EU–India Deal Is Not Enough. India Needs Investment – Now

The EU and India signed a long‑awaited free‑trade agreement that cuts tariffs on cars, wine, pharmaceuticals and digital services. However, the pact omits any binding commitments on manufacturing investment, leaving a critical gap for India’s need to attract foreign direct...

By EuroAsia and the World
Operationalizing Economic Statecraft: A New Imperative for the Pentagon
BlogApr 16, 2026

Operationalizing Economic Statecraft: A New Imperative for the Pentagon

The Pentagon is urged to institutionalize economic statecraft through a new Economic Warfare Operations Capability (EWOC). Recent conflicts, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, show that export controls and supply‑chain leverage can cripple military capability before any shots are fired....

By War on the Rocks
How Do We Fix The Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Disconnect? (Part 2)
BlogApr 16, 2026

How Do We Fix The Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Disconnect? (Part 2)

The article explains why procurement, logistics and supply chain have become siloed, tracing the split to consulting‑driven outsourcing and function‑specific KPIs. It argues that the disconnect can be repaired by aligning priorities, integrating data, and applying modern decision‑optimization tools. The...

By Sourcing Innovation
Wah Kwong Spins Off Dry Bulk Arm with 60-Ship Target
NewsApr 16, 2026

Wah Kwong Spins Off Dry Bulk Arm with 60-Ship Target

Hong Kong‑based Wah Kwong Maritime Transport has spun off its dry‑bulk operations into a new subsidiary, Wah Kwong Bulk. The unit will combine ship ownership and operation, targeting a fleet of 50‑60 vessels by 2030, including about 30 owned ships...

By Splash 247
Europe Wants Canadian LNG
BlogApr 16, 2026

Europe Wants Canadian LNG

European energy purchasers are negotiating to import liquefied natural gas from Canada, routing shipments through the Panama Canal. The discussions center on a Canadian LNG export terminal that has yet to be built, signaling a shift toward diversifying supply away...

By Irina Slav on energy
China Supplies 44pc of Imports as Australia’s Timber Bill Hits $3B
NewsApr 16, 2026

China Supplies 44pc of Imports as Australia’s Timber Bill Hits $3B

Australia’s wood‑product imports topped roughly $2 billion USD in 2025, with mainland China supplying $870 million USD – about 44 percent of the total. Plywood, LVL and glulam alone accounted for $523 million USD, representing 26 percent of spend, while builders’ joinery and sawnwood added...

By Wood Central
Strait of Hormuz Disruption and Global Supply Implications>
NewsApr 16, 2026

Strait of Hormuz Disruption and Global Supply Implications>

In Q1 2026 the U.S.–Iran conflict shut the Strait of Hormuz, cutting roughly 40% of global nitrogen trade and 20% of LNG supply. The chokepoint closure drove Brent crude from about $61 to a peak above $117 per barrel before diplomatic...

By VanEck – Insights
Suzuki Breaks Ground on Laguna Facility Expansion
NewsApr 16, 2026

Suzuki Breaks Ground on Laguna Facility Expansion

Japanese automaker Suzuki Philippines broke ground on a major expansion in Calamba, Laguna, investing roughly ₱900 million (about $16 million). The new integrated facility will house a parts warehouse, service training center, and corporate offices adjacent to its existing plant. Designed to...

By Manila Bulletin – Business
Are Ships Evading the US Blockade of Iran Ports?
NewsApr 16, 2026

Are Ships Evading the US Blockade of Iran Ports?

The U.S. Central Command announced a maritime blockade of all traffic to and from Iran ports on 13 April, turning back ten vessels with no break‑throughs in the first 52 hours. Iranian‑flagged ships such as Kashan, Golbon and the Comoros‑flagged Blue Sky 4 skirted...

By Seatrade Maritime
Apple Trims Mac Mini, Mac Studio Lineup as AI Demand Spikes
NewsApr 16, 2026

Apple Trims Mac Mini, Mac Studio Lineup as AI Demand Spikes

Apple quietly removed its highest‑memory Mac mini (32 GB and 64 GB) and Mac Studio (128 GB and 256 GB) configurations from the US online store, following a recent pull of the 512 GB Mac Studio model. The cuts come amid a broader industry RAM...

By eWeek
Hormuz: Not Closed — But Not Working
BlogApr 16, 2026

Hormuz: Not Closed — But Not Working

The Strait of Hormuz remains physically open, but vessel traffic has collapsed, creating a semi‑functional chokepoint. While ships still transit, the flow is at a fraction of normal levels, reflecting partial enforcement of blockades and heightened uncertainty. Iran’s oil exports...

By Maritime Analytica
Fuel Rollback: Diesel May Drop ₱20, Gasoline ₱3 Next Week
NewsApr 16, 2026

Fuel Rollback: Diesel May Drop ₱20, Gasoline ₱3 Next Week

Fuel prices in the Philippines are set to retreat next week as easing Middle‑East tensions push global benchmarks lower. Industry data based on the Platts Singapore mean projects diesel to drop ₱18‑20 per liter (about $0.36) and gasoline to fall...

By Manila Bulletin – Business
Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Work Instructions
NewsApr 16, 2026

Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Work Instructions

Manufacturing firms are accelerating digital transformation by converting paper work instructions into interactive, real‑time digital workflows. Tepcon Instructor offers a low‑cost, drag‑and‑drop platform that lets users create step‑by‑step instructions in minutes without programming skills. The solution standardizes processes, cuts engineering...

By Metrology News
Autonomous Times
NewsApr 16, 2026

Autonomous Times

Airport World reports rapid expansion of autonomous ground vehicles across four major hubs. Singapore Changi Airport has moved two driverless tractors into live baggage service after 5,000 trial trips and plans a 24‑vehicle fleet by 2027, later adding cargo tow...

By Airport World
Honda Pulls E:Ny1 From UK Market in Great EV Reset
NewsApr 16, 2026

Honda Pulls E:Ny1 From UK Market in Great EV Reset

Honda has withdrawn its e:Ny1 electric SUV from the UK after just three years, having sold only 7,122 units. The move leaves the Japanese automaker without any EVs on its UK website, exposing it to the UK’s 33% zero‑emission vehicle...

By Autocar
Metso Strengthens African Bulk Material Handling Capabilities With Inauguration of New Cape Town Hub
NewsApr 16, 2026

Metso Strengthens African Bulk Material Handling Capabilities With Inauguration of New Cape Town Hub

Metso inaugurated a new regional hub in Cape Town on April 15, 2026, expanding its bulk material handling (BMH) network across Africa. The hub adds a 60‑person, same‑time‑zone engineering team and advanced automation capabilities acquired through MRA Automation, promising faster...

By Construction Equipment Guide
What Does the Geelong Refinery Fire Reveal About Australia’s Fuel Supplies?
NewsApr 16, 2026

What Does the Geelong Refinery Fire Reveal About Australia’s Fuel Supplies?

Late Wednesday a fire broke out at Viva Energy's Geelong refinery in Corio, believed to be caused by equipment failure. The plant, which can process up to 120,000 barrels per day and supplies more than half of Victoria’s fuel and...

By The Conversation – Business + Economy (US)
Northern Railway to Operate Regular Delhi-Kashmir Parcel Train Service From April 17
NewsApr 16, 2026

Northern Railway to Operate Regular Delhi-Kashmir Parcel Train Service From April 17

Northern Railway will launch a regular Delhi‑Kashmir parcel train on April 17, operating a trial service until May 31 before deciding on permanent status. The Joint Parcel Product‑Rapid Cargo Service runs between Adarsh Nagar in Delhi and Budgam in central Kashmir, using eight...

By The Hindu BusinessLine – Economy
Seafood Has Been Under-Represented in Meal Kits – Until Now
NewsApr 16, 2026

Seafood Has Been Under-Represented in Meal Kits – Until Now

Australia’s ready‑to‑eat and meal‑kit market is booming, valued at roughly $2 bn USD in 2023 and projected to reach $3.4 bn USD by 2035. Despite a 6‑7% CAGR, seafood remains scarce in kits due to supply‑chain hurdles. Global Seafoods, a 50‑year‑old Australian...

By Inside FMCG
Russia Had to Spend an Extra $130 Billion to Buy Goods While Sanctioned, Analysts From NATO's Frontline Say
NewsApr 16, 2026

Russia Had to Spend an Extra $130 Billion to Buy Goods While Sanctioned, Analysts From NATO's Frontline Say

Latvia’s Constitution Protection Bureau estimates Russia has spent an extra $130 billion on alternative imports of Western goods between 2022 and 2025, equivalent to an annual $32.5 billion loss. The report adds that Russian export volumes in key commodities such as iron...

By Business Insider – Finance
Fuel Crisis Worsens in Australia Following Refinery Fire
NewsApr 16, 2026

Fuel Crisis Worsens in Australia Following Refinery Fire

A fire at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery, one of only two oil‑refining sites in Australia, has intensified an already‑tight fuel market driven by the Middle‑East war. The outage reduces national fuel‑processing capacity by roughly 120,000 barrels per day, prompting shortages...

By Mining Magazine
Terafab Equipment and Chip Orders
BlogApr 16, 2026

Terafab Equipment and Chip Orders

Elon Musk announced equipment orders for Tesla's upcoming Terafab, designed to process 3,000 wafers a month—about 36,000 wafers or 3‑4 million chips annually. The capacity could expand to over 10 million chips per year by 2027, supporting Tesla vehicles, Cybercabs, Optimus robots,...

By Next Big Future – Quantum
How the World Is Preparing for Oil Shortages
NewsApr 16, 2026

How the World Is Preparing for Oil Shortages

The Financial Times podcast warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a sharp oil shortage, potentially cutting as much as 20% of world supply. In response, Gulf monarchies have launched a wartime‑style financing drive, raising...

By Financial Times – Asia-Pacific
Supply Chain Execs Flag AI as Top Disruptor for Logistics Sector
NewsApr 16, 2026

Supply Chain Execs Flag AI as Top Disruptor for Logistics Sector

More than 70% of supply chain executives consider artificial intelligence the top disruptive technology for logistics over the next decade, and 41% have already deployed AI solutions. A Deloitte‑MHI survey of 500 professionals shows 47% plan AI adoption within five...

By SupplyChainBrain Logistics
AI: Yes, It’s Coming for Your Job
BlogApr 16, 2026

AI: Yes, It’s Coming for Your Job

AI is rapidly automating transactional supply‑chain functions, from matching purchase orders to invoices to routine sourcing and shipment tracking. The post estimates a 95% reduction risk for procurement clerks and a 70% risk for purchasing agents, while highlighting that strategic,...

By The Chain
New Manufacturing Model for Batteries Boosted by Voltavate-ARENA Pilot Program
NewsApr 16, 2026

New Manufacturing Model for Batteries Boosted by Voltavate-ARENA Pilot Program

Voltavate, a Melbourne‑based battery specialist, secured a $3.55 million Australian government grant (about $2.3 million USD) from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to run a pilot‑scale program that integrates separator manufacturing directly onto battery production lines. The initiative moves the technology...

By Australian Manufacturing
Investigative: The Trail of Counterfeiters in China, GeekTC as a Victim, and a Lot of Criminal Activity in the Distribution...
BlogApr 16, 2026

Investigative: The Trail of Counterfeiters in China, GeekTC as a Victim, and a Lot of Criminal Activity in the Distribution...

An independent investigator uncovered a widespread counterfeit operation affecting Dow’s TC‑5888 thermal interface material, tracing the fake product from an AliExpress purchase through a complex Chinese distribution network that includes Dow’s Zhangjiagang warehouse, Silmore trading firms, and the reseller GeekTC....

By Igor’sLAB
Idaho Antimony Plant Boosts U.S. Defense Supply Chain
SocialApr 16, 2026

Idaho Antimony Plant Boosts U.S. Defense Supply Chain

USAC and Americas plan an Idaho antimony processing plant to strengthen North American supply and defense access. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/04/us-antimony-processing-plant-in-idaho.html

By The Metalnomist
India's Apple Component Exports to China Surge to Record $2.5 Billion Under ECMS Scheme
NewsApr 16, 2026

India's Apple Component Exports to China Surge to Record $2.5 Billion Under ECMS Scheme

Apple’s Indian suppliers have shipped a record $2.5 billion of iPhone components to China in FY 26, a direct result of the government’s Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). The surge follows a rapid rise from $920 million in FY 25 to $2.8 billion by January,...

By ETRetail (India)
New UPS Labels Supplant the Need for Scans
BlogApr 16, 2026

New UPS Labels Supplant the Need for Scans

UPS announced that its entire U.S. delivery fleet, sorting facilities and over 5,500 UPS Store locations now use RFID‑enabled shipping labels, eliminating the need for manual barcode scans. The RFID tags automatically confirm pickup and provide continuous, real‑time visibility of...

By EcommerceBytes
Oil Prices Trade Subdued Amid Fragile Ceasefire, Peace Deal Hopes
NewsApr 16, 2026

Oil Prices Trade Subdued Amid Fragile Ceasefire, Peace Deal Hopes

Oil prices edged lower on Thursday as Brent slipped to $94.68 and WTI to $90.96, reflecting a modest 0.26% and 0.36% decline respectively. Market sentiment was tempered by optimism over a cease‑fire expected to hold through 21 April and renewed Iran‑US...

By Mint (India) – Economy
ICYMI - Reports that Iran Proposes Partial Hormuz Reopening for Ships via Oman Waters
NewsApr 16, 2026

ICYMI - Reports that Iran Proposes Partial Hormuz Reopening for Ships via Oman Waters

Iran has signaled a willingness to let commercial vessels transit the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without attack, linking the offer to progress in US‑Iran negotiations. The proposal marks a shift from earlier hardline ideas such as transit...

By ForexLive
Pakistan’s “Managed Failure”: What the U.S.-Iran Stalemate Means for India’s Oil Supplies & Inflation? OPED
NewsApr 16, 2026

Pakistan’s “Managed Failure”: What the U.S.-Iran Stalemate Means for India’s Oil Supplies & Inflation? OPED

Senior US and Iranian officials met in Islamabad for a 21‑hour dialogue that ended without a formal deal, underscoring a deliberate "managed failure" aimed at containing escalation. The venue choice, the absence of Israel, and divergent US‑Iran agendas highlighted the...

By Eurasian Times – Defence
Memory Reallocation to AI Workloads Constrains LPDDR4 Supply, Slowing High-End Cellular IoT Module Growth
NewsApr 16, 2026

Memory Reallocation to AI Workloads Constrains LPDDR4 Supply, Slowing High-End Cellular IoT Module Growth

Memory vendors are shifting wafer capacity toward high‑bandwidth memory and AI‑centric nodes, leaving LPDDR4 supply constrained. Counterpoint now projects global cellular IoT module shipments to grow only 4% YoY in 2026, half the prior 8% forecast, as high‑end 5G and...

By EE Times Asia
SCADA Working Fine Locally but Lagging on Remote Stations
BlogApr 16, 2026

SCADA Working Fine Locally but Lagging on Remote Stations

SCADA platforms deliver real‑time process data flawlessly on the local server, but remote operator stations often suffer lag, delayed tag updates, and sluggish screen navigation. The primary culprits are network latency, excessive tag subscriptions, and heavyweight graphics that strain bandwidth...

By Instrumentation Tools
Queensland Export Awards 2026 to Recognise Manufacturing, Export Performance
NewsApr 16, 2026

Queensland Export Awards 2026 to Recognise Manufacturing, Export Performance

The Queensland Government has opened applications for the 2026 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, spotlighting manufacturing within its roughly $138.9 bn AUD (about $92 bn USD) export sector. Nominations are accepted until 12 June, with finalists announced in August and winners proceeding to...

By Australian Manufacturing
Hormuz Crisis Drives 3‑5% Rise in Indian Luxury Construction
SocialApr 16, 2026

Hormuz Crisis Drives 3‑5% Rise in Indian Luxury Construction

Strait of Hormuz Crisis Threatens Luxury Housing in India. Developers are worried about delayed imports of key materials like aluminium, steel, Italian marble, and tiles. This is causing higher costs and possible delays in construction. Prices of these imported materials have already...

By Yogesh Mantri
One Chinese 24k TEU Ship Outpaces Entire USAF Airlift
SocialApr 16, 2026

One Chinese 24k TEU Ship Outpaces Entire USAF Airlift

And here’s your monthly reminder that the entire airlift capacity of the USAF - is less than the capacity of ONE Chinese built 24,00 TEU containership.

By John Konrad
U.S. DOT Challenges Adani’s Cargo Shift to Navi Mumbai Airport, Citing Air Service Pact Violation
NewsApr 16, 2026

U.S. DOT Challenges Adani’s Cargo Shift to Navi Mumbai Airport, Citing Air Service Pact Violation

The U.S. Department of Transportation has formally objected to Adani Group’s plan to move U.S. cargo airlines from Mumbai’s main airport to the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport, saying the shift breaches the U.S.-India Air Transport Agreement. The DOT...

By Pulse
JB Hunt’s Strong Earnings Signal End to Freight Recession
SocialApr 16, 2026

JB Hunt’s Strong Earnings Signal End to Freight Recession

JB Hunt had one of their strongest earnings calls in years, declaring the Great Freight Recession over. Hunt is a very conservative firm, and CEO Simpson is typically very measured in her comments - this sets the tone for the...

By Craig Fuller
Russia Threatens European Drone Factories Amid War Struggles
SocialApr 16, 2026

Russia Threatens European Drone Factories Amid War Struggles

Former President of Russia warning Russia will bomb drone factories in Europe that supply Ukraine. Why? Russia is either losing the war or mightily struggling against Ukraine. And it is drones that are giving Russia fits. Welcome to the 21st century.

By Jim Bianco
UK E‑commerce Brands Flag Fulfilment Costs as Top Growth Barrier, Survey Shows
NewsApr 16, 2026

UK E‑commerce Brands Flag Fulfilment Costs as Top Growth Barrier, Survey Shows

A new International Logistics Group (ILG) survey reveals that 53% of UK e‑commerce brands now view fulfilment costs as their primary growth hurdle, overtaking marketing spend. The study of 328 senior executives also highlights rising business costs, AI‑driven operational investments...

By Pulse
Australia’s Fuel System Lacks Slack, Fire Exposes Supply Risk
SocialApr 16, 2026

Australia’s Fuel System Lacks Slack, Fire Exposes Supply Risk

The fire at Australia's refinery is real and significant But there’s no evidence of sabotage. The bigger issue is structural—Australia’s fuel system has almost no slack Events like this quickly turn into supply risk. @SantiagoAuFund

By Art Berman Blog
Early Terafab Supplier Talks Reveal Near‑Term Pilot Plans
SocialApr 16, 2026

Early Terafab Supplier Talks Reveal Near‑Term Pilot Plans

New and detailed report on early Terafab talks with key suppliers and some of details of near term ambitions for pilot line. With colleagues in Asia 👇

By Ed Ludlow
EU Launches Online Platform to Match Buyers with Critical Raw Material Suppliers
NewsApr 16, 2026

EU Launches Online Platform to Match Buyers with Critical Raw Material Suppliers

The European Commission opened the first call of its Raw Materials Mechanism on April 13, creating an online marketplace that aggregates demand for rare earths, battery and defence materials. The voluntary, market‑based platform is designed to help European firms diversify...

By Pulse
Australia Must Move Beyond BAU Fuel Security
SocialApr 16, 2026

Australia Must Move Beyond BAU Fuel Security

A credible fuel-security strategy for Australia must ensure provision of short-term liquid fuel stocks for critical services - freight, farming, remote communities, and defence But it must go much further than that We musn't double down on business as usual fuel -...

By Prof Ray Wills
Asian Currencies Rise on Weak Dollar and AI‑Driven Export Surge, MUFG Says
NewsApr 16, 2026

Asian Currencies Rise on Weak Dollar and AI‑Driven Export Surge, MUFG Says

MUFG’s senior currency analyst Michael Wan says Asian currencies have rallied as the US dollar weakened after the Iran conflict, buoyed by a sharp pickup in AI‑related exports. The bank continues to favor the Chinese yuan and Malaysian ringgit, while...

By Pulse
Vertiv Acquires BMarko to Expand AI Data‑Center Build Capacity
NewsApr 16, 2026

Vertiv Acquires BMarko to Expand AI Data‑Center Build Capacity

Vertiv has bought South Carolina‑based BMarko Structures, adding a 560,000‑square‑foot custom‑fabrication facility to its North American Infrastructure Solutions business. The deal, announced without a disclosed price, aims to tighten Vertiv’s supply chain as AI‑driven data‑center demand accelerates.

By Pulse