Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Shipowners stay cautious despite US‑Iran Hormuz reopening deal
President Trump announced a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ending the naval blockade that had closed the oil conduit since late February. Shipowners, however, remain wary, pointing to 57 recorded security incidents and lingering mines, and are opting for lower‑risk routes until safety can be assured.
Also developing:
By the numbers: GIA acquires 30% stake in De Beers' Tracr blockchain platform
Why Are U.S. EV Truck Costs Rising While Europe’s Fall?
U.S. Class 6‑8 electric trucks have risen 27% in price since 2020, with a sharp 40% jump between 2020‑2021, while comparable European models fell 32% and 23% respectively. The International Council on Clean Transportation attributes the U.S. increase to larger battery packs, warranty demands, and supply‑chain pressures, though these remain unproven theories. A 2026 ERM study shows European EVs carry non‑component costs of about $109,000 versus $54,500 for ICE equivalents, highlighting the cost‑structure gap. Analysts warn that legacy OEMs may be leveraging market power to sustain higher U.S. prices.
ASML Poised for Massive Growth From Chip Boom
$ASML will be one of the biggest winners for the next 5-10 years Elon Musk announced that Tesla and SpaceX will build an advanced chip “Terafab” manufacturing plant increasing demand for EUV machine SK Hynix is ordering $8B of $ASML...
FCC Ban on Foreign Routers Demands Operator Supply Chain Reviews
The Federal Communications Commission has added foreign‑manufactured consumer routers to its Covered List, effectively banning new authorizations for such devices. The decision follows an inter‑agency security assessment linking overseas routers to past cyber‑attacks like Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon. Existing routers...
Celsius Linked to Fresh LNG Carrier Order at Samsung Heavy
Denmark’s Celsius Tankers has secured a new order for two 180,000 m³ LNG carriers from Samsung Heavy Industries, valued at roughly KRW 770 billion ($514 million). The vessels are scheduled for delivery through September 2028, adding to Celsius’s existing portfolio of about 24...
TSMC Capacity Overstretched, Broadcom Says as It Flags Supply Constraints
Broadcom warned that its key foundry partner TSMC is hitting production limits, creating a bottleneck for AI chip supply in 2026. The strain extends beyond semiconductors, with printed circuit board lead times expanding from six weeks to six months and...
From Dublin to Dallas: How Manna Aero Is Building Drone Delivery That Scales
Irish drone logistics firm Manna Aero, founded in 2018, now operates in Dublin, Finnish cities, Dallas and Oklahoma, delivering items up to 8.5 pounds within three minutes of order. The company has logged 300,000 flights and aims for two million by year‑end,...
Untitled
TouchThink introduced the Z‑Series TPC14‑AIOT industrial PC, a single‑box solution that merges gateway, router, switch and data‑collector functions. Powered by a Rockchip RK3588 octa‑core CPU and a 6 TOPS NPU, it runs Android 12 out‑of‑the‑box and supports Linux, Ubuntu and HarmonyOS. The...
Hormuz Closure Threatens 15 Million‑
Is the Strait of Hormuz still closed and will the global oil industry drain down ~15 million barrels of petroleum stocks outside the Middle East today alone because of it? https://t.co/YQqTHgKaN9
The Best Things Come in Small Packages as RoboTrex Compact Set to Make UK Debut at MACH 2026
Lang Technik UK will unveil the RoboTrex Compact at the MACH 2026 trade show in Birmingham, marking the system’s UK debut. The compact automation cell occupies just 2 square‑metres, handles workpieces up to 95 mm and 7 kg, and incorporates a Fanuc M‑10iD‑16s robot...
Can Central Asia Become a New Hub in the Global Fertilizer Market?
Central Asian states are mobilising substantial resources to become a new fertilizer hub, with Kazakhstan targeting 6 million tonnes of potash by 2028, Uzbekistan scaling green ammonia, and Turkmenistan expanding phosphate output. The region’s existing gas‑chemical complexes, such as KazAzot and...
Treat Your Supply Chain Like a Team, Not a War
If your supply chain isn’t functioning like a team, it’s fighting a civil war. Most organizations are closer to war than they think. Here’s how to fix it→ https://t.co/acbLuxh1EY #SupplyChain #SupplyChainManagement https://t.co/83xsm5n2jS
India Launches Six Textile Export Support Centres
India announced the establishment of six Textile Export Facilitation Centres across key production clusters, including Surat, Karur, Ichalkaranji, Jaipur, Varanasi and Ludhiana. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to lift the country's textile exports to $100 billion by 2030....
Akiem Orders First Battery-Electric Vectron
Akiem, a European rolling‑stock leasing firm, signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for up to 80 battery‑electric dual‑mode Vectron locomotives, including a firm order for 50 units and an option for 30 more. The locomotives replace the diesel engine...
Marcos Declares State of National Energy Emergency
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 110 on March 24, declaring a one‑year state of national energy emergency in the Philippines. The order responds to the Middle‑East conflict that has disrupted global oil supplies and driven price volatility. It creates the Unified Package...
Balancing Costs, ESG Compliance, and Global Competitiveness with India’s Upstream Solar Policy
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has expanded its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, creating ALMM List‑III that will take effect on June 1, 2028. The mandate forces all qualifying solar projects...
Capacity Tightening Hits Major Port Cities DFW, DEN, MSP, MEM
This map signals market momentum for rejection rates. The more blue a market, the tighter capacity is projected to get over next few days. The more orange a market, the more capacity conditions are weakening. Conditions tightening in major port...
Fake SAP Cleared 1 in 85 CDL Drivers
"One in every 85 CDL drivers who completed the federal return-to-duty process and were cleared to operate a commercial vehicle may have been cleared by a truck driver from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, who was pretending to be a self-certified...
How TraceX Is Building The Data Layer For Verifiable Supply Chains
TraceX Technologies, a Bengaluru‑based startup founded in 2019, is building a unified data layer that captures every step of food supply chains using AI and blockchain. The platform addresses fragmented, manual records that hinder compliance and sustainability reporting, especially as...
Naphtha Shortage Halts Plants, Sends Asian Markets Tumbling
"Petrochemical Shutdowns Spark Industry Shock, Asian Markets Plunge: Naphtha shortages force South Korea, Japan plant halts as Asian stocks crash amid supply fears" https://t.co/SZ6pwkCiSi https://t.co/se32khyggJ
Africa: Alake Advocates Regional Hubs to Power Africa's Mining Industry
Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake called for creation of regional energy hubs to boost Africa’s mining industrialisation at the Powering Africa Summit in Washington. He highlighted that over $2.6 bn of foreign direct investment has flowed into Nigeria’s mining...
Rising Diesel Costs Neutralized by Higher Linehaul Rates
Despite much higher diesel prices, truckers are enjoying the best cashflows in years. The surge in linehaul rates over the past week have enabled small trucking companies to recover almost all of the increase in fuel costs. Chart: trucking spot...
Australia, EU Finalize Trade Pact Amid US Tariff Pressure
"Australia and EU seal sensitive trade deal" https://t.co/SVt8r09Man "With U.S. President Donald Trump slamming tariffs on allies globally, Brussels and Canberra rekindled their negotiations last year." https://t.co/0jxir9qjN2
Governments Tighten Scrutiny on Carrier Pricing as Crisis Surcharges Mount
Governments in the United States and India are tightening oversight of ocean carrier pricing amid rising emergency surcharges linked to the Middle East crisis. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission rejected liner requests for war‑related fees without a 30‑day notice, while...
MST Reports Faster Flower Processing than Rival EU Airports
Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) disclosed that its flower cargo hub processes shipments in an average of three hours, roughly half the time required at other European airports, which typically take between 3.5 and 6.5 hours. Even during peak periods, MST...
Flatbed Rates Surge to $3.69/mile, Biggest Jump Since COVID
The flatbed market, the most sensitive to industrial demand, is on fire. Spot rates at $3.69/mile. +$.46/mile since the beginning of March. I haven't seen charts like this since COVID. https://t.co/YAEFIEkC4F
Van Spot Rates Surge to $2.94/Mile Amid Tight Capacity
Van spot rates on the 7-day chart jump to $2.94/mile as demand surges in recent weeks, against tightening capacity. https://t.co/Baw74kKjo8
Port of Rotterdam Ensured Loan for Shore Power Infrastructure
European Investment Bank approved a €90 million ($98 million) loan to the Port of Rotterdam Authority to fund shore‑power installations at three deep‑sea container terminals. The loan is complemented by a €70 million ($76 million) European Commission grant, bringing total public financing to roughly...
Trucking Rates Surge to Highest Levels Since 2022
Trucking rates markets are smokin'. +$.03/mile overnight and $.32/mile in the past month. $3.04/mile on the daily chart, the highest level since March 2022, as freight demand firms in a backdrop of tighter capacity. https://t.co/Sabmv22Rjx
FMC’s DiBella: Ports Are Key to U.S. Economic Security and Stability
Federal Maritime Commission Chair Laura DiBella told a ports conference that the United States faces a "critical moment" for revitalizing its shipping industry. She highlighted that more than 95% of U.S. imports and over 80% of global trade move by...
DHL Express and SHEIN Expand Partnership with SAF Push
DHL Express and fast‑fashion retailer SHEIN have deepened their partnership to trial sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in SHEIN’s international air freight. The collaboration, part of DHL’s GoGreen Plus programme, aims to scale SAF use across cross‑border e‑commerce logistics. DHL reports...
More Speakers Confirmed for the European Cargo Experience
The inaugural European Cargo Experience will take place in Gdansk, Poland, on May 6‑7, 2026, with a program centered on terminal automation and digitalisation. Organized alongside WorldCargo News and Project Cargo Journal, the two‑day event features a high‑profile speaker lineup,...
Alstom to Modernise Houston Airport Skyway with New APM Trains and Systems
Alstom secured a roughly $415 million contract to modernise Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport Skyway system, delivering 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles and a 15‑year operations‑and‑maintenance package. The upgrade includes Urbalis automatic train control, new communications, an operations control centre, and...
Germany Seeks Global Gas Suppliers Beyond the US
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche is pushing gas companies to diversify beyond the US 🇩🇪 🚢 Reiche said Germany is also pursuing agreements with Angola, Mexico, Canada and other suppliers worldwide https://t.co/YsSeBtLmvB https://t.co/RPngivFPz4
Government Sets £7.4 Billion Procurement Target with Small Businesses
The UK government has announced a £7.4 billion (about $9.3 billion) annual procurement target for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) by 2028. For the first time, each department receives a specific percentage goal – ranging from 30 % at the Cabinet Office to...
Itochu Enters E-Waste Management with View to Rare Earths Recycling
Itochu Corp., one of Japan's largest trading houses, announced a joint venture with a U.S. firm to manage electronic waste and recover rare earth metals from devices such as laptops and smartphones. The company projects Japan's e‑waste management market to...
LATAM Pushing Ahead with Transatlantic Expansion
LATAM Airlines is expanding its transatlantic network, launching São Paulo‑Amsterdam flights on March 30 with four weekly B787‑9 services, increasing to six by mid‑April, and adding a São Paulo‑Brussels route in June with three weekly flights. The airline’s cargo division saw revenues rise...
Magma Aviation Appoints Hoatson to New Director Role
Specialist air cargo manager Magma Aviation has appointed Paul Hoatson as director of commercial and network planning. Hoatson, who previously led network planning and alliances for eight years, will now align commercial objectives with network strategy. The expanded role is...
Trump's Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through Global Markets
From Indian films to Italian wine, Trump’s Iran war ripples through the world economy https://t.co/nN8qmnNvwV via @Swatisays @LouKCurtis @mniquette https://t.co/oUjyH8kZ9O
Late Payment Reform Toughest in over 25 Years, Government Says
Britain's government has introduced the toughest late‑payment reforms in the G7, tightening rules for large firms dealing with small suppliers. A new 60‑day payment cap and a statutory interest rate of 8 % above the Bank of England base rate will...
Sea Cargo Charter Leaders Warn Against Decarbonisation Slowdown
Shipping leaders warned that scaling back decarbonisation amid IMO regulatory delays would jeopardise long‑term competitiveness. The Sea Cargo Charter, now with 33 charterers and operators, provides a voluntary framework to measure and disclose emissions. Signatories are reporting more than 90%...
Fire at Valero's Port Arthur Refinery Sparks U.S. Gasoline and Jet Fuel Concerns
A massive fire erupted at Valero Energy's Port Arthur, Texas refinery on Monday, disrupting a key Gulf Coast fuel hub. The incident, linked to a heater‑unit malfunction, has regulators and traders watching for possible impacts on gasoline and jet fuel...
Grab to Acquire Foodpanda Taiwan for $600 Million, Its First Move Outside Southeast Asia
Grab Holdings announced a cash‑only $600 million deal to buy Delivery Hero’s Foodpanda Taiwan, marking its first expansion beyond Southeast Asia. The acquisition, slated to close in H2 2026, gives Grab a foothold in 21 Taiwanese cities and pits it directly against...
Dangote Refinery Boosts African Fuel Exports as Middle East Crisis Tightens Supply
Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dispatched 12 petroleum‑product cargoes to five African markets, positioning itself as a regional alternative amid soaring Middle East oil prices and supply shocks. The move comes as Nigeria grapples with domestic fuel price spikes and...
Cathay Cargo Reports February Tonnage Rise but Flags Geopolitical Volatility
Cathay Cargo lifted February 2026 cargo tonnage 7% year‑on‑year, with Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) rising 4%. The first two months of the year saw a 6% tonnage increase versus 2025, despite a mid‑month dip linked to Lunar New Year...
Zipline Secures $200M to Accelerate U.S. Drone Delivery Expansion
Zipline announced a $200 million infusion that lifts its Series H round to $800 million and values the autonomous drone logistics firm at $7.6 billion. The capital will fund entry into at least four U.S. states and broaden its home‑delivery platform,...
Rio Tinto Targets Broader Aluminium Footprint, Division CEO Says
Rio Tinto’s aluminium division is accelerating a global diversification strategy, adding projects in Europe, India and Brazil while expanding its low‑carbon AP60 smelter technology. The AP60 system, already operating in Quebec, reduces greenhouse‑gas emissions to about one‑seventh of the industry...
Policy Paper: Cabinet Office and HM Treasury Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Action Plan: 2025 to 2028
The UK Cabinet Office and HM Treasury have published a small and medium‑sized enterprise (SME) action plan covering April 2025 to March 2028. The policy aims to lower barriers for SMEs to win public‑sector contracts and to raise the share...
2000-Built VLCC Sold for Further Trading
The 26‑year‑old Hitachi‑built VLCC Kin A, a 298,000 dwt tanker, has been sold to undisclosed interests and renamed Helga. The vessel, flagged in Comoros, is now unclassed after its Bureau Veritas class was withdrawn and is anchored in southern China. No...
Why Do Most Pharma Shippers and 3PLs Not Possess the Right Technology to Move From Forecasting to True Agility?
Pharma last‑mile delivery faces unique challenges: chain of custody and strict cold‑chain requirements. Most shippers and 3PLs lack technology to shift from static forecasting to real‑time agility, due largely to compliance costs and legacy routing systems. Advanced IoT sensors, AI‑driven...