Today's Supply Chain Pulse
U.S.-Iran Interim Deal Reopens Hormuz, Eases Oil Supply Strain
The United States and Iran signed an interim peace memorandum that normalizes traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, ending the naval blockade. President Trump warned that strategic petroleum reserves are draining fast, with Cushing, Oklahoma inventories just above 20 million barrels, the lowest level in years. The agreement also lifts Treasury waivers and releases roughly $24 billion in frozen assets.
Also developing:
By the numbers: USA Rare Earth secures $1.6B federal funding under CHIPS Act
Guest Column: Mideast Conflict Highlights Need to Rebuild Domestic Mining – by Rick Nolan (The Mercury – March 17, 2026)
The recent Iran conflict highlights America’s vulnerability due to heavy reliance on foreign critical minerals for defense production. Interceptor missiles and other modern munitions depend on rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and similar elements sourced from geopolitical rivals. While the Trump administration launched a strategic minerals reserve and funded new mining projects, lasting security requires congressional action. Rebuilding mineral self‑sufficiency will demand swift policy moves paired with the long‑term patience needed to develop domestic mines.
Dalilah’s Law Set to Pass, Avoids Controversial Add‑Ons
Dalilah’s law is up for committee hearing tomorrow. In its current form, it should pass. There has been some temptation to expand the law to include some issues that many drivers would revolt over: such as tracking chips in trucks and...
How Europe Is Racing to Secure Lithium Supply with New Mining Efforts – by Joseph Hammond (National Interest – March...
Europe is accelerating domestic lithium mining to lessen reliance on China, which supplies roughly two‑thirds of refined lithium worldwide. The EU expects lithium demand to grow fivefold by 2030, prompting projects in Germany, Serbia, Portugal and other member states. European...
Kale and Tech Mahindra Announce Strategic Partnership
Kale Logistics and Tech Mahindra have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation in global logistics, with a focus on ports and airports. The collaboration blends Kale’s cargo‑community SaaS expertise with Tech Mahindra’s engineering, AI, and consulting capabilities to...
Wisconsin-Based Carrier Files for Chapter 11 Protection
Family‑owned Sparhawk Trucking, a Wisconsin‑based carrier with 178 power units per FMCSA data, has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing reveals assets of less than $50,000 against liabilities estimated between $10 million and $50 million. Four related entities—Sparhawk Truck and Trailer, Sparhawk...
Kia and TotalEnergies Extend Global Partnership Through 2031
Kia Corporation and TotalEnergies have renewed their global partnership with a five‑year agreement that extends cooperation through 2031. Under the deal, TotalEnergies will continue supplying its Quartz engine oils to Kia’s worldwide dealer network, supporting vehicle maintenance and performance. The...
Major U.S. Ports Navigate Uncertainty as War with Iran Threatens Global S...
U.S. container ports are bolstering security and coping with sharply higher bunker‑fuel costs as the Iran‑Israel conflict escalates. While the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, shippers are rerouting around the chokepoint, extending voyage times and raising freight expenses. Major...
Saudi Maaden Looks to Yanbu for Phosphates Exports
Saudi Arabian phosphate producer Maaden will restart exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu, shifting from its traditional Ras Al‑Khair gateway. The move circumvents the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked since late February. Maaden plans to ship...
The Robotics-Powered Retail Revolution and How It Is Taking Us From Scale to Agility
Big‑box retailers built on scale are losing ground as e‑commerce drives demand for faster, more flexible fulfillment. Labor shortages and recurring supply‑chain disruptions expose the fragility of cost‑focused, static operations. Robotics—autonomous mobile robots, AI‑driven picking arms, and integrated software—offers a...
Sumitomo, “K” LINE, and NYK Join Forces for Ammonia Bunkering in Singapore
Japanese firms Sumitomo Corporation, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE) and NYK Line have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an ammonia bunkering vessel in Singapore. The partners will commence a Front‑End Engineering Design (FEED) study to define technical specifications, safety...
Global Trade Management Is Becoming a Control System
Global Trade Management (GTM) platforms are evolving from pure compliance tools into a comprehensive control layer for cross‑border operations. Rising trade complexity and fragmented legacy systems are prompting organizations to adopt integrated GTM solutions that combine customs automation, shipment visibility,...
Why Women Belong at the Heart of Retail Logistics: ‘You Learn How a Business Really Works’
Louise Cartner, general manager of Sportsshoes.com, argues that women are essential to retail logistics, citing her own warehousing stint as a catalyst for deeper business insight. She highlights how hands‑on logistics work teaches end‑to‑end operations, decision‑making speed, and cost awareness....
Horizon Air Freight: Time-Critical Logistics for Tug, Towboat & Barge Operations
Specialized logistics firm Horizon Air Freight announced its dedicated time‑critical freight services for tug, towboat and barge operations. The company integrates air, charter, inland and coastal freight with vessel schedules, providing urgent spare‑part, AOG and project cargo moves while maintaining...
CICE Veracruz Adopts Portchain Connect to Digitalize Berth Alignment
CICE Veracruz has joined the Portchain Connect network to automate berth alignment with shipping lines, replacing manual emails and spreadsheets with digital handshakes. The platform feeds real‑time vessel schedules and move‑count updates directly from carrier systems into the terminal’s planning...
Sudan Clinics Face Stock-Out in Weeks Due to Middle East War, NGO Says
Save the Children warns that essential medicines for Sudan’s government‑run clinics could be exhausted within two weeks because the Middle East war has blocked key shipping routes. About $600,000 of drugs are stranded in Dubai, and rising freight costs—up 25‑30%...
Hormuz Disruption: CBIC Allows BTT Clearance for Cargo Loaded at One Port, Offloaded at Another
India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued new guidance allowing back‑to‑town (BTT) clearance for containers that are loaded at one Indian port but off‑loaded at another after a vessel returns due to disruptions in the Strait...
IACMI Workforce Development Program Achieves Major Milestones, Advancing Talent Pipeline for Manufacturing Industry
America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), IACMI’s workforce development program, has surpassed 20,000 online students and 5,000 in‑person boot‑camp participants since its 2020 launch. The initiative now delivers 11 CNC machining courses at 43 sites nationwide, drawing participants from colleges, high schools...
Brian Dooley to Lead New Ports of Indiana International Trade Office
Ports of Indiana announced the launch of its first overseas trade office in Ireland, appointing maritime veteran Brian Dooley to lead the European Trade Office based in Cork and Kildare. The office aims to develop a direct Europe‑Indiana container service...
Spend Aggregation Gives Way to New Approaches in a Tariff-Driven Supply Chain
The traditional procurement playbook of aggregating spend to secure rebates is eroding as tariffs become a permanent, volatile cost factor. Companies now must treat tariffs as explicit line‑item expenses and redesign sourcing models to reflect ongoing trade policy shifts. Geographic...
How Dole Is Repositioning Its Supply Chain as a Growth Strategy
Dole is shifting its supply chain from a pure execution function to a strategic growth engine, according to VP of Supply Chain Todd Stillwell. The company has created a dedicated supply‑chain general‑manager role embedded within business teams to influence product...
Ocean Shipping Patterns Erode Intermodal Share From West Coast: Analyst
A new analyst report shows the West Coast’s share of U.S. and Western Canadian import TEUs has slipped from 59% in 2010 to below 49% in 2025, marking a ten‑point decline. The drop mirrors a broader erosion of intermodal rail’s...
Unilode and SATCO Boost Partnership with New LAX MRO Facility and Net Supply Deal
Unilode Aviation Solutions and cargo‑equipment maker SATCO have launched a joint MRO facility at Los Angeles International Airport, providing on‑site ULD maintenance and repair. The partnership also includes a long‑term agreement for Unilode to source SATCO’s fire‑resistant cargo nets, bolstering...
Spain Considers a New Rail Terminal Near Algeciras Port
Spain is evaluating a new rail terminal 11 km west of the Algeciras port to alleviate current capacity constraints, with an estimated €62 million price tag. The proposal includes five new sidings and a 3.65‑km link directly into the port, addressing the...
Insight Works Announces Strategic Partnership with 2Ship
Insight Works announced a strategic partnership with 2Ship to embed the 2Ship carrier platform into its Dynamic Ship app for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The integration adds parcel, LTL and FTL shipping support, delivering carrier rates, label generation and...
Körber Teams With NVIDIA to Bring AI Simulations to Warehouses
German automation leader Körber has partnered with NVIDIA to embed AI‑driven simulation tools into warehouse operations. Using NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform, the two companies will create digital twins that let users model layouts, workflows, and new automation before physical changes. The...
Rail Demand Remains Stable Amid Service Gains
Rail demand is muted but stable. On Talking Transports, I speak with @BNSFRailway CMO Tom Williams about service gains, rail vs truck dynamics, tariffs, the $UNP – $NSC merger — and Indiana football. 🎧 Listen - Episode 130 of Talking Transports: Apple:...
Volvo CE Closing Rokbak ADT Business with Motherwell Factory to Focus on Rigid Haulers
Volvo Construction Equipment announced it will close the Rokbak articulated hauler business, with production ending in the second half of 2026. The decision follows unsustainable profitability driven by rising operational costs, supply‑chain constraints and U.S. tariffs. Volvo will shift resources...
VIACHAIN Joins DCSA+ to Drive IoT Standardization
VIACHAIN, an ORBCOMM company, joined the Digital Container Shipping Association’s DCSA+ program to accelerate interoperable digital standards in container logistics. The partnership will help develop shared APIs and data‑exchange frameworks linking carriers, terminals, depots, and shippers. By focusing on ecosystem‑wide...
Saks Distribution Center Layoffs to Impact Nearly 600 Employees
Saks Global announced the permanent closure of two Pennsylvania distribution centers, eliminating 590 positions. The Wilkes Barre facility will lay off 155 workers starting April 11, while the Pottsville site will cut 435 jobs beginning May 3. Both locations lack union...
Control of Hormuz Determines Global Power Shifts
I’ve found that most wars are filled with surprises, but the stakes of this conflict are obvious: it all comes down to who controls the Strait of Hormuz. We’ve seen this pattern before—with the Dutch in the 17th century and the...
Reliable Iran War Sources Still Hold Up After Two Weeks
My list of accounts to follow for quality information about the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz holds up two weeks later… 👇👇
China, Russia Discuss Boosting Transport Links as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Shipping
Amid heightened Middle East conflict disrupting traditional maritime corridors, China and Russia convened the inaugural China‑Russia Logistics Business Forum in Moscow to explore deeper logistics cooperation. The dialogue emphasized expanding the Arctic Northern Sea Route, leveraging ports such as Arkhangelsk...
LA Rebounds as Post‑CNY Port Volumes Surge
LA is coming back strong from weak conditions earlier this year. As port volumes return from Chinese New Year, we could see a resurgence of momentum.
Iran Keeps Shipping Oil, China Still Receives It
PHOTO(S) OF THE DAY: China is still getting (some of) its oil — and Iran its getting (some of) its money. Three weeks into the war, Iran continues loading oil supertankers from Kharg Island. (No damage visible at this resolution) Photo @CopernicusEU...
How Congress Can Grow the Space Supply Chain
Demand for satellite constellations, lunar missions and private launches is surging, but the space supply chain lags behind, creating costly delays. The Aerospace Industries Association and PwC released a report outlining gaps and policy fixes, including a two‑way demand‑signaling system...
California High-Speed Rail Authority Issues RFQ
The California High‑Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract covering architectural and engineering (A&E) services. The IDIQ will be awarded to three distinct pools—minor works for small businesses,...
ISA Publishes New SCADA Systems Standard
The International Society of Automation (ISA) has released ANSI/ISA-112.00.01-2025, SCADA systems—Part 1, a vendor‑neutral, technology‑independent framework that defines the SCADA lifecycle, diagrams, and terminology. The standard targets utilities, system integrators, and operators across water, oil & gas, power, transportation, and other...
Watch Taiwan Firms for Early AI Server Supply Signals
The best way to get an early heads up on AI server supply is to watch Taiwan companies. What’s even better is that they all report revenue monthly. This week I’ll be emailing out a masterclass on Tracking the Global...
Hamburg–Berlin Line to Reopen From May
Deutsche Bahn will reopen the Hamburg–Berlin corridor in two phases, starting with the Hamburg‑Hagenow segment on 15 May and the full 278‑km line on 14 June. The staged launch follows a winter‑induced delay but restores regular timetables for long‑distance, regional and freight...
Canada Initiates Safeguard Inquiry Into Imports of Canned and Frozen Vegetables, Considers Future Investigation Into Wood Products
Canada’s finance ministry has instructed the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to launch a safeguard inquiry into imports of certain canned and frozen vegetables, covering tariff headings 7.10 and 20.05. The tribunal has 180 days, with a recommendation due by...
MRPL Dispatches 1000th Petcoke Rake to JSW Cement From Mangalore
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) dispatched its 1000th petcoke rail rake, bound for JSW Cement’s Karnool plant. The shipment completed a second batch of 500 rakes, moving 40% faster than the first, highlighting MRPL’s operational improvements. Senior executives from...
ClassNK Certifies Pakistan’s First Hong Kong Convention-Compliant Ship Recycling Facility
ClassNK has certified Salam’s International as Pakistan’s first ship‑recycling facility compliant with the Hong Kong International Convention. Pakistan acceded to the convention in November 2023, and the certification enables the competent authority to issue the required Document of Authorization. The...
EU Adopts New State Aid Rules for Rail
The European Commission has adopted new State aid rules that broaden and simplify subsidies for sustainable land transport, especially rail. The Land and Multimodal Transport (LMT) Guidelines and the Transport Block Exemption Regulation (TBER) take effect on 30 March 2026, allowing certain...
Import Tariffs: Turning Up the Heat on Tariff Evasion
The U.S. is shifting trade enforcement toward economic security, targeting import‑tariff evasion with a new Trade Fraud Task Force and expanded DOJ whistleblower incentives. In 2025 CBP collected a record $200 billion in tariffs, prompting $2 million funding for the task force...
Supply Chain Diversification: How Can You Build Supplier Options for Greater Resilience?
Supply chain diversification has shifted from an optional efficiency tweak to a core resilience strategy. The guide outlines how reliance on a single supplier exposes firms to operational disruption, price volatility, quality stagnation, and geopolitical exposure, as highlighted by recent...
Polymer Price Surge Disrupts Footwear Supply Chain, Forces Manufacturers to Consider Price Hikes
Footwear manufacturers in India are confronting steep cost pressures as polymer‑based sole producers in Kerala scale down operations. Approximately 20‑25% of the state’s plastic processing units have halted due to capital shortages, while polymer prices have jumped nearly 59% since...
Egypt’s NCIC Sells SSP/SOP Higher in Tender
Egyptian fertilizer producer NCIC announced the award of its latest tender, selling the full 25,000 t of single superphosphate (SSP) at $335 per tonne FOB and 1,200 t of sulphate of potash (SOP) at $620‑630 per tonne FOB. The SSP, containing 20.8%...
Real-Time Operational Alignment and Predictive Optimisation Unlock Airport Capacity
Airports are increasingly constrained by fragmented decision‑making rather than runway or gate capacity. SITA’s Total Airport Management platform connects data, teams, and partners in real time, applying predictive analytics to optimise operations and pre‑empt disruptions. Early adopters such as Abu...
FTR Forecasts Toughening Conditions for Shippers
FTR, a freight‑forecasting firm, warns its Shippers Conditions Index could slide to the lowest level in four years as diesel prices surge and capacity tightens. The index, which blends demand, rates, fleet capacity and fuel costs, is projected to dip...
EFM Global Powers BLAST in First Deployment of Multi-Year Partnership
EFM Global executed end‑to‑end freight and production logistics for the BLAST Premier Open Rotterdam, marking the first rollout of its multi‑year partnership with esports promoter BLAST. The operation coordinated seven freight movements across Denmark, Malta and other locations, delivering staging,...