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
US Shippers Back Rail Access Shake-Up as Merger Fears Grow
The Surface Transportation Board has issued a proposal to repeal Federal Rule 49 CFR Part 1144, which currently restricts reciprocal switching for shippers seeking alternative rail service. The change is backed by major shipper groups, the American Chemistry Council, and even Class I carrier BNSF, who argue it will lower rates and improve service. At the same time, stakeholders warn the reform may not fully counteract the competitive threats posed by the pending Union Pacific‑Norfolk Southern merger.
Drone Delivery’s Breakthrough Moment Has Arrived
Matternet has launched pilot drone deliveries for Dave’s Hot Chicken in Southern California and for NHS hospitals in London, showcasing both food and medical logistics. The FAA’s pending Part 108 rule would lift the line‑of‑sight requirement, enabling larger autonomous fleets. Retail...
Supply Chains Hide Modern Slavery: Professionals Must Act
Many of the goods & services we enjoy in rich countries are produced by people trapped in modern slavery. Are we *really* doing our best in the #procurement & #supplychain profession 2 prioritize “supply chain slavery” in corporate agendas? ➤ https://t.co/JithZETfO9 #slavery
Prologis and GIC Launch $1.6 Billion U.S. Logistics JV
Prologis and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC announced a $1.6 billion joint venture to develop build‑to‑suit logistics facilities across major U.S. markets. The partnership adds 4.1 million sq ft of initial capacity and signals robust investor confidence in warehouse demand.
Sri Lanka’s Mattala Airport Proposed as a Contingency Hub for Gulf Carriers
Sri Lanka has offered Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as a contingency hub for Gulf carriers after widespread closures of Middle East airspace disrupted Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi operations. The 3,500‑metre runway can accommodate Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and A380...
Walmart AI Pricing Patents Signal Shift Toward Real-Time Retail Execution
Walmart has filed two patents that combine AI‑driven demand forecasting with dynamic pricing, and is rolling out digital shelf labels across U.S. stores. The patents cover real‑time price updates on e‑commerce platforms and predictive pricing recommendations tied to demand models....
China-Europe Rail Freight Surges by 25% in January and February, Even Before Iran War
China Railway reported a 25% year‑on‑year increase in TEU volume on the China‑Europe rail corridor during January‑February 2026, moving 352,100 TEU across 3,501 train trips. Train frequency rose 31.7% compared with the same period last year, reversing a 2025 decline...
Spain to Give 5,5 Million to Ukraine for Variable-Gauge Systems
Spain has approved a €5.48 million non‑repayable grant to support Ukraine’s development of variable‑gauge freight bogies that can automatically switch between the 1520 mm Russian gauge and the 1435 mm standard European gauge. The funding will be administered through a grant agreement, with...
How Automation Is Transforming Remanufacturing
Manufacturers are shifting from pure production to extending product lifecycles through automated remanufacturing. Rising e‑waste, raw‑material costs and supply‑chain volatility are driving this change, with remanufactured components offering 40%‑80% cost savings while matching performance. Advances in AI, machine vision, force‑sensitive...
Iran-Driven Energy Shocks Elevates Credit Risk for UK Energy Suppliers
UK energy suppliers face heightened credit risk as Iran‑driven gas price shocks double wholesale gas prices to 174 pence per therm in March 2026. The UK’s electricity market relies on gas‑fired generators for marginal pricing, so wholesale spikes directly erode supplier...
New Italy-Sweden Freight Route Launched
FS Logistix, via its German arm TX Logistik, and Finland's Nurminen Logistics have launched a weekly 2,500‑km block‑train freight corridor between Castelguelfo, Italy and Frövi, Sweden. The service traverses Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Sweden, delivering containers of food, beverages,...
740-Metre Trains Have Shown Themselves to Be Surprisingly Divisive
RailFreight.com’s opinion piece sparked a heated debate over Europe’s push for 740‑metre freight trains. While EU policy treats the length as essential for capacity, critics argue that longer trains worsen bottlenecks, slow speeds, and misalign with shipper needs. Opponents highlight...
Pre‑conflict Contracts Shield Now; Future Rates Rise
For brands that locked in rates before the conflict, the immediate hit is cushioned, but those contracts expire, and the spot market is where the new baseline is set. https://t.co/I3U08aqByK
Supply Chain Data Capture Is Entering a New Era with Surgere
In this episode Kevin Lawton interviews Bill Woppler, CEO and founder of SurgeAir, about the evolution of data capture in supply chains. SurgeAir now processes about 15 billion transactions a month and has introduced Sophia, an agentic AI that makes sense...
Stationery Major Luxor Launches Crayola in India
Crayola has partnered with Indian stationery leader Luxor Writing Instruments to invest roughly Rs 400 crore over the next five years, establishing India as a key manufacturing and sourcing hub for its global art‑supply portfolio. The move follows a strategic shift to...
ERTMS to Be Activated on the Rome–Florence High-Speed Line
FS Italiane announced that the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will be activated on the Rome–Florence high‑speed line in April 2026, completing the digital signalling upgrade for the corridor. To install the final Orvieto‑Settebagni block, night traffic will be...
Nebius Teams with Nvidia to Build Cloud for Robotics and Physical AI
Nebius, an AI‑focused cloud provider, has teamed up with Nvidia to launch a managed platform that spans the entire physical‑AI lifecycle—from large‑scale GPU training and physics‑accurate simulation to edge inference. The solution leverages Nvidia’s Physical AI Data Factory Blueprint, OSMO...
CMA CGM Launches Transatlantic Panama Direct Service to Cork, Ireland
CMA CGM announced a new direct service linking Cork, Ireland with New York and Savannah, launching on April 28, 2026 aboard the MV CMA CGM WHITE. The route adds an extra vessel to the transatlantic fleet, promising higher frequency and tighter schedules. Positioned...
Asia Turns to Coal as Iran War Rapidly Shrinks Supplies of Gas
The escalating war in the Middle East has sharply curtailed liquefied natural gas shipments from Qatar, the world’s largest LNG exporter, creating a supply gap for Asian importers. In response, countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Bangladesh are accelerating...
Dangote Demand Soars As War Disrupts Africa Fuel Supply
Dangote’s 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day refinery, now two years operational, is seeing soaring demand as the Ukraine war disrupts traditional fuel imports to Africa. Roughly 75% of its output is reserved for Nigeria, leaving limited capacity for export to neighboring economies. Countries across...
Middle East War Casts Long Shadow over UK Rail Freight Operations
UK rail freight faces growing pressure from the Middle East war, which is driving higher energy prices and disrupting global shipping lanes. Rising diesel and electricity costs increase traction expenses, while container delays at ports such as Felixstowe strain intermodal...
South Korea Flags Uncertainty From Qatar LNG Plant Damage, but Downplays Supply Concerns
Iranian attacks crippled 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity, forcing QatarEnergy to declare force majeure on long‑term contracts for up to five years. South Korea, the world’s third‑largest LNG importer, downplays supply risks, noting its Qatari share is only about...
NWSA Full Exports up 2.2% YTD Despite Overall Volume Decline
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) posted February 2026 container volumes of 207,725 TEUs, a 19.4% year‑over‑year decline driven by last year’s cargo front‑loading ahead of tariffs. Full imports fell 29.5% while full exports rose 4.9%, and year‑to‑date volumes remain 16.6%...
How Ready Is Britain for Fuel Shortages?
Britain is confronting a looming fuel shortage as Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz removes roughly 20% of global oil flow. Brent crude has jumped over 50%, pushing UK petrol up 7% and diesel up 14%, while forecourts begin...
Maple Leaf Shipping Marks 70 Years with Its First Newcastlemax Purchase
China’s Maple Leaf Shipping celebrated its 70th anniversary by purchasing a 206,300‑dwt Newcastlemax bulk carrier, the Cape Merlin, now renamed ES Bright Sea. The acquisition marks the company’s largest vessel to date and deepens its foothold in the Capesize segment,...
Lumafield Expands Industrial CT Platform with High-Speed Metrology, Large-Part and Inline Inspection Solutions
Lumafield unveiled three new industrial CT systems—Neptune Performance, Saturn and Mars—expanding its platform across metrology, large‑part inspection and inline production screening. Neptune Performance claims 15× faster scans with fourfold data quality, targeting high‑precision dimensional analysis. Saturn offers the largest door‑compatible...
CMA CGM Announces FAK Rate Increases From Europe to India & Pakistan
French carrier CMA CGM announced a freight‑all‑kind (FAK) price hike for shipments from Europe to India and Pakistan, effective 1 April 2026. The new rates increase 20‑foot container charges by $150 on the North Europe‑India lane and $150 on the North Europe‑Pakistan lane,...
Zipline Revolutionizes Global Delivery Using Autonomous Drones
How Zipline Is Transforming Global Delivery with #Autonomous #Drones by @zipline #SupplyChain #Automation #Logistics https://t.co/9ugQN3qYXp
Manufacturing Gains Momentum with Industrial AI as IFS Reports Growing Adoption
IFS reported a 23% year‑on‑year rise in annual recurring revenue and a 30% jump in cloud revenue for FY2025, underscoring rapid adoption of its Industrial AI platform. The technology has moved from pilot projects to core operational systems across manufacturing,...
Can Australia Make Its Own Wind Turbine Parts? Global Giant Suggests It Might Be at the Whim of Federal LNP
Vestas CEO Henrik Andersen warned that Australia must secure bipartisan, decade‑long policy support to develop a domestic wind turbine parts supply chain. He emphasized that stable, year‑on‑year demand of two to three gigawatts is essential for manufacturers to commit to...
Thailand Has 100 Days of Oil Reserves Left: PM
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that the nation has roughly 100 days of oil reserves remaining. The government has reduced oil exports to Laos and Myanmar by 25% and 20% respectively, citing the war in the Middle East. Officials...
Reopening Hormuz: Ships, Unsanctioned Oil, Jones Act Waiver
How to Reopen Hormuz? March 19 Update 1⃣Ships and Crew in the Persian Gulf 2⃣Un-sanction Russian and Iranian Oil? 3⃣60-Day Waiver of the Jones Act Video: https://t.co/OAncFtYXq3 https://t.co/bT8EcElDOE
Baltic CCS Network Advances with Aker Solutions FEED Award
Aker Solutions has been awarded a front‑end engineering design (FEED) contract by KN Energies to develop a CO₂ transshipment terminal in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The terminal, part of the CCS Baltic Consortium, will handle about 2.8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year...
Nationwide Push Highlights Homegrown Manufacturing with ‘Made Right Here’
Australian Made has rolled out the “Made Right Here” campaign to showcase domestic manufacturing across the nation. Launched in January at Capral Aluminium’s Smithfield plant, the initiative features the green‑and‑gold kangaroo logo in animated scenes covering sectors from construction to...
Supply Chain Salaries Are Rising in 2026: What Supply Chain, Procurement and Logistics Leaders Should Expect
Supply chain salaries are set to rise sharply in 2026 after years of underpayment, as firms scramble to secure logistics, procurement and analytics talent. Demand for these roles has grown 22 percent year‑over‑year since 2020, outpacing the modest expansion of the...
Latitude Naval Technologies Established at Port of Riga
Latitude Construction has launched a new subsidiary, Latitude Naval Technologies, at the Port of Riga to develop offshore platforms for security and defence. Leveraging over 20 years of shipbuilding experience and advanced composite capabilities, the unit’s first product is the...
US-Iran War: Latest News
The Argus roundup highlights how the escalating US‑Iran conflict is reshaping energy markets. The International Energy Agency is boosting oil stock releases, while a temporary Jones Act waiver is prompting US crude cargoes to sail under foreign flags. WTI premiums...
UPS at the Crossroads: Finding Profit in a Disrupted Landscape with Bloomberg’s Devin Leonard
UPS is navigating a disrupted logistics market under new CEO Carol Tomé, the first woman and outsider in its 118‑year history. The company is shifting from volume‑driven growth to a high‑margin, "better, not bigger" strategy, scaling back low‑margin e‑commerce shipments....
Opella Healthcare Launches Manufacturing Electrification Project Backed by $1.94M in Federal Funding
Opella Healthcare has launched a manufacturing electrification project at its North Brisbane plant, backed by a $1.94 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. The initiative replaces gas‑fired dehumidification with heat‑pump technology, aiming to cut roughly 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ each...
US Crude Being Shipped to Asia Via Panama Canal
Asian refiners are increasingly routing U.S. Gulf Coast crude through the Panama Canal as the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran disrupts Middle‑East supplies. Medium‑sized Aframax and partially‑loaded Suezmax vessels have been booked for shipments to South Korea and Japan, the first...
APM Terminals Launches Rail Shuttle Connecting Helsingborg to the Port Gothenburg
APM Terminals has launched a five‑hour rail shuttle linking Helsingborg with the Port of Gothenburg, owned by APM and operated by Dania Connect. The service expands the port’s rail network to nearly 30 Swedish locations and follows a record‑breaking 529,000...
US Jones Act Waiver May Alter PX Trade Flows
The United States has issued a 60‑day waiver of the Jones Act, temporarily eliminating the requirement to use U.S.-flagged vessels for domestic shipping. This regulatory shift coincides with a sharp rise in para‑xylene (PX) prices following the Iran‑Israel conflict, prompting...
Iran War; PBoC's 2026 Tasks; US-China; Japan; Front-Loading 2026 Spending
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper about the escalating war in Iran and the broader Middle East. Beijing emphasized that the conflict undermines regional stability and directly impacts global energy, finance, trade, and shipping. China called...
Australia Moves to Support Onshore Fuel Production Amid Market Pressures
The Australian Government is revising its Fuel Security Services Payment to keep the 1.8 cents‑per‑litre cap while changing the trigger that releases subsidies, aiming to better match current market conditions. The move supports the Viva refinery in Geelong and Ampol’s Brisbane...
Better Days Coming to Cuba?
A wave of international assistance is reaching Cuba, highlighted by a Russian oil tanker and humanitarian convoys from several nations. The fuel deliveries aim to alleviate chronic shortages that have crippled transportation and tourism. Commentators on social platforms expressed cautious...
Hazer Signs Graphite Offtake LOI to Support Low-Emissions Steel Manufacturing
Hazer Group has signed a non‑binding memorandum of understanding and graphite offtake letter of intent with Green Steel WA Collie Pty Ltd for up to 85,000 tonnes of graphite over ten years. The graphite will be used as a recarburiser...
CBP’s 4-Part Tariff Refund Process Inches Forward
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is advancing its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system, a four‑step digital platform designed to refund importers for Trump‑era tariffs that were recently nullified. The agency reports the project is between 45 % and...
China-Iran Deal Evident as Hong Kong Bulker Navigates Strait
Looks like China had a deal with Iran as the Hong Kong-owned Panama-flagged bulker Jia Xiang Da sailed right down the Strait with AIS blasting on March 16. https://t.co/9NexOw93gc
Exxelia Releases New White Paper: Navigating ESCC 3201 Vs. MIL-STD-981 for Space-Grade Magnetic Components
Exxelia has published a technical white paper that pits the ESCC 3201 qualification framework against MIL‑STD‑981 for space‑grade magnetic components. Using its own chip inductors, low‑profile inductors and common‑mode chokes as reference, the guide maps where the two standards align, where...
FedEx Ground Gains Share, Beats UPS in Growth
FedEx's U.S. Ground revenue per package was 5.5% compared to same quarter 2025. U.S. Ground ADV (commercial + home delivery) increased 4.0% for the same period. It looks like they may have taken volume from UPS. I'll need...