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
K+N Still Largest Airfreight Forwarder Despite DSV Takeover of Schenker
Kuehne+Nagel retained its position as the world’s largest airfreight forwarder in 2025, posting a 7% volume increase to 2.2 million tonnes, ahead of DSV’s 2 million tonnes despite DSV’s recent acquisition of DB Schenker. The Swiss carrier’s growth was driven by surging demand from cloud and data‑center customers in the United States, while DSV only began consolidating Schenker’s figures from Q3 onward. K+N’s air revenues were flat at CHF 7.3 billion, with gross profit down 1% and EBIT slipping 10%, reflecting yield pressure and currency effects. The competitive dynamic sets up a close battle for the top spot in 2026 as both firms vie for market share in a volatile environment.
When Does $5 Million Become a Drop in the Ocean?
Vanson Bourne’s research with Xeneta shows that freight market intelligence can turn costly supply‑chain disruptions into predictable events. By delivering rate‑movement, capacity and transit‑time alerts, procurement teams can act before penalties, inventory gaps, or panic‑premium spot purchases arise. The study highlights...
The Children’s Place Expands Sourcing Chief’s Remit in Turnaround Push
The Children’s Place has broadened SVP Kristin Clifford’s responsibilities to include product operations, international and technical design, alongside her existing sourcing duties, effective February 24, 2026. The reshuffle also adds Kim Roy as executive director overseeing design, merchandising, planning and...
Mediterranean Corridor Split: Spain to Meet 2030 ETCS Target While France Delays
Spain is on track to finish its Mediterranean Corridor segment with ETCS by 2030 after committing more than €7 billion since 2018. France, however, has postponed the ETCS rollout on the Montpellier‑Béziers‑Perpignan stretch to 2042, creating a cross‑border signalling gap. The...
Huge “Shadow Layer” Of Organizations Hit by Supply Chain Attacks
Black Kite’s 2025 Third‑Party Breach Report reveals a massive "shadow layer" of supply‑chain attacks, with 136 verified breaches exposing 719 downstream companies and 433 million individuals. Vendors reported an additional 26,000 unnamed corporate victims, suggesting even higher impact. Software‑services providers accounted...
How Booking Platforms Are Helping Airlines Reach Customers
Airlines have long relied on manual, relationship‑driven sales to fill cargo capacity, but rising market complexity and cost pressure are straining that model. Digital booking platforms now let forwarders view, book, and confirm space in real time while airlines keep...
Europe's Gas Reserves Plunge, Refilling Hinges on Middle East Routes
EUROPE has depleted its gas inventories faster than average this winter in the expectation there would plenty of LNG to refill them over the coming summer. EU storage sites are on average just 30% full down from more than 82%...
The Potential of Nuclear-Powered Ships Moves to the Forefront at Posidonia 2026
At Posidonia 2026, CORE POWER will host a high‑level executive briefing on civil maritime nuclear propulsion, signaling a shift from theoretical debate to concrete industry engagement. Leaders from shipping, finance, ports and energy will discuss fourth‑generation molten‑salt reactors that could...
Mozambique: Ustda Partners in Mozambique to Diversify Rare Earths Supply Chains
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed an agreement to fund a pre‑feasibility study for Monte Muambe Mining Ltda’s rare‑earth project in Mozambique. The study will de‑risk mine and processing facility development, aiming to produce mixed rare‑earth carbonates for...
€16.7 Million for a Modernised Rail Link to Setúbal Port
Portugal has allocated €16.7 million to modernise the rail link serving the Setúbal port, part of a broader €40 million corridor investment. The project will electrify the line and accommodate 750‑metre trains, targeting 2,900 train movements annually. Infraestruturas de Portugal expects improved...
Oil and Beyond Oil: What Might Be the Economic Implications of Iran’s War on Asia?
The United States and Israel have launched a military strike on Iran, prompting analysts to model two outcomes: a swift conflict that keeps oil prices near a baseline of $80 per barrel, and a drawn‑out war that could push prices...
How Music Retailers Can Deal With Tariffs and Save Their Customers
Independent music retailers are grappling with a new 15% tariff imposed for 150 days after the Supreme Court struck earlier duties, while consumer confidence stays weak and industry consolidation accelerates. Vendors have raised prices and tightened MAP policies, squeezing margins...
Vietnamese Exporters Face Rising Costs, Delays as Middle East Tensions Disrupt Red Sea
Vietnamese exporters are confronting higher logistics, insurance and raw‑material costs as Middle‑East tensions disrupt Red Sea shipping lanes. Companies such as Dony Garment and Cat Van Loi report potential 15‑20‑day delays that could jeopardise peak‑season deliveries and project timelines. Panic‑buying...
Blue UAS List Evolves and NW Blue Is Positioned for American Drone Dominance
The Department of Defense transferred stewardship of the Blue UAS Cleared List from the Defense Innovation Unit to the Defense Contract Management Agency in 2026, turning the list into a scalable procurement marketplace. DCMA’s Special Programs Unmanned Systems‑Experimental Command now...
Rail Logistics Europe (SNCF) Demonstrated ‘Notable Resilience’
France’s SNCF Group posted a fifth straight year of profit in 2025, lifting net profit to €1.8 bn on stable €43 bn revenue. Rail Logistics Europe (RLE) saw EBITDA climb to €260 m, raising its margin to 14.4% despite a 1.6% revenue dip...
Joseph Joseph Extends Partnership with XPO Logistics
Joseph Joseph is expanding its collaboration with XPO Logistics to include global freight forwarding from China to XPO’s Rugby, UK warehouse. The extended contract gives XPO full control of the supply chain, from sourcing to final delivery, and introduces AI‑driven customs...
Divača–Koper New Railway to Open for Tests Next Week
Slovenian infrastructure firm 2TDK will open the new Divača‑Koper railway for test runs from 9 to 11 March. The line, Slovenia’s first long‑distance slab‑track (RHEDA 2000) installation, will undergo safety measurements on derailment coefficient and lateral acceleration before commercial service begins...
Localisation Is the Aim of the Game in Defence Procurement
Defence procurement is shifting toward localisation, making domestic manufacturing and technology transfer essential for deal closure. European governments now demand local production as a contract condition. Hungary leads the change, signing agreements with Rheinmetall for the KF41 Lynx and Nurol Makina...
Torpol Wins Contract to Rebuild Warsaw East Station
Polish rail manager PKP PLK awarded Torpol the €946.4 million contract to rebuild Warsaw East station and Warszawa Stadion stop. Torpol’s €700 million bid was selected from six offers, with EU co‑financing expected under the FEnIKS programme. The project includes seven new platforms, a...
Griffin Locomotive Approval Process Begins in Germany
Polish rolling‑stock maker Newag has launched the German approval process for its Griffin E4MSUa‑002 locomotive, following electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests in Switzerland and the Czech Republic. The multi‑system electric locomotive is being prepared for certification to operate on Germany and Austria’s...
3PL Best Practices For Smoother And Faster Third-Party Logistics
Outsourcing fulfillment to a third‑party logistics (3PL) provider can accelerate ecommerce growth by delivering faster shipping, lower costs, and operational efficiency. The guide contrasts 3PLs with in‑house fulfillment, highlighting the shift from capital‑intensive capex to variable opex and the scalability...
Union Maritime Bulks up with First Newcastlemax Newbuilds
Union Maritime, a UK‑based tanker operator, is linked to its first Newcastlemax bulk carrier order, potentially securing up to four 215,000‑dwt vessels from China’s Wuhu Shipyard. The deal includes two firm ships and two options at roughly $76 million each, with...
Semiconductors, Satellites, and Scale With Spirit Electronics CEO Marti McCurdy
In this episode, Spirit Electronics CEO Marti McCurdy explains how her company provides end‑to‑end semiconductor services—from custom ASIC design and foundry access to wafer processing, packaging, board assembly, and final box builds—for aerospace, defense, and the rapidly growing new‑space sector....
UBB Reșița Elevates Metrology Training with Cutting-Edge Mitutoyo CMM
Babeș‑Bolyai University’s Faculty of Engineering in Reșița has equipped its research lab with a Mitutoyo MiSTAR 555 coordinate measuring machine, funded by the West Regional Development Agency. The CMM provides 2.2 µm accuracy over a 500 × 500 × 500 mm volume and comes with 20 educational...
3D Scanning Metrology: A Guide to Accuracy and Resolution
The article explains how modern structured‑light 3D scanners, such as those from SMARTTECH3D, have replaced manual tools by delivering rapid, non‑contact measurements. It distinguishes accuracy—the closeness to true dimensions—from resolution, the density of captured points, and cites the VDI/VDE 2634 standard...
European Cargo to Establish Cargo Base at Teesside Airport
European Cargo will open a new operational base at Teesside International Airport, launching five weekly Airbus A340‑600 freighter services to a major Chinese hub later this month. The route will move up to 375 tonnes of freight each week, providing...
Performance Shipping Orders Suezmax Pair in China
Performance Shipping, the Nasdaq‑listed Greek tanker owner, has signed contracts for two 158,000 dwt suezmax vessels with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. Each newbuild costs $81.5 million and is scheduled for delivery in October 2028 and May 2029. The ships will be Tier III, scrubber‑fitted and meet...
When Test Results Can’t Be Trusted: Solving Repeatability and Measurement Drift
Laboratories often assume test repeatability, yet subtle shifts in equipment, operators, and environment cause measurement drift that goes unnoticed until costly failures emerge. In paint labs, consistent pass results mask growing variability, leading to rework, delayed product launches, and regulatory...
Florida’s Fields Are Hurting – What That Means for Reefer Freight Right Now
Florida experienced an unprecedented freeze from late December 2025 through early February 2026, inflicting over $3 billion in agricultural losses. Key commodities such as tomatoes, squash, and bell peppers saw up to 50% crop loss, while strawberries, blueberries, and citrus also...
VLCC Rates Hit New Sky-High Record: $424,000 Per Day
VLCC charter rates surged to a record $424,000 per day after the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, as the Strait of Hormuz was officially closed to traffic. Spot rates for Middle‑East‑to‑China voyages jumped well above $400,000, dwarfing the recent $100,000‑plus benchmarks....
Ships Still Transit Strait of Hormuz Despite Closure
Strait of Hormuz Traffic March 2, 2026 The past 24 hour ship passages through the Strait of #Hormuz after #Iran declared its closed.
What Is the Difference Between Rare Metals vs Rare Earth Elements?
The article clarifies that “rare metals” and “rare earth elements” are distinct concepts. Rare metals are an industrial label for low‑volume, supply‑concentrated metals often produced as by‑products, while rare earths are a scientifically defined group of 17 elements. Key examples...
Automation and Inkjet Reshape Print Manufacturing in 2026 – Jet Technologies
Australian print manufacturers are accelerating automation and digital inkjet adoption to counter chronic labour shortages, tighter turnaround expectations, and rising job complexity. Jet Technologies reports a structural shift toward production lines with fewer human touchpoints, leveraging connected digital platforms beyond...
Iran Declares Closure, Yet Small Tankers Slip Through
🚨Iran Announces Strait Closed; Tankers Say Hold My Beer🚨 So much for Iran's announcement as three tankers are running the Strait. 1️⃣BLOOMING DALE, Aruba-flag, 12k tons (1996), In ballast and outbound 2️⃣POLA, Liberia-flag, 156k tons (2011), In ballast & inbound 3️⃣PUFFIN TWO, Liberia-flag, 7k...
Optics Become AI Datacenter's New Bottleneck and Gold
- Scale out bottleneck is real - Co-packaged optics to be a “must” - NVDA pouring $$ into Lumentum/Coherent to lock down supply - Yet optical supply chain is still constrained and lumpy Photons are having their biggest moment since long-haul comms:
Reactions to the US-Israel Attack on Iran; Prepping for the Two Sessions; Science and Technology Insurance
The United States and Israel launched a strike against Iran, dominating global headlines as China prepares for its annual Two Sessions. Beijing’s response has been limited to diplomatic condemnations, mirroring its usual stance in such crises. Iranian crude accounts for...
LNG Supply Shocks Expose Energy Transition’s Fatal Flaw
Qatar LNG offline — unprecedented. U.S. exporters win, importers lose, says @seb_kennedy Ukraine & Iran wars expose a core flaw in the “energy transition” narrative. All energy depends on supply chains — break them, you break energy. No supply chains, no energy. Plan B? #LNG...
War Risk Insurance Cancels Coverage Once Conflict Begins
Can someone smarter than me explain why war risk insurance gets canceled when there’s a war? https://t.co/7JR2QurKUO
WA Gov’t Targets Manufacturing and Key Industries in New Workforce Strategy
The Western Australian Government announced a new WA Workforce Strategy aimed at bolstering priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, defence, clean energy, construction, tourism, hospitality and the care economy. Six industry‑focused roundtables and an online consultation running until 30 April 2026 will...
Tariffs Drive U.S. Equipment Production Overseas, Cutting Jobs
"Tariffs Force Down Heavy Equipment Sales and Jobs" https://t.co/gAxfFeOvbe "it is more economical to build a forklift overseas, import it and pay the tariff" "multiple layers of tariffs on inputs have made it even more expensive to build machinery on American soil"...
Australia Doubles Down on Manufacturing with Critical Minerals Rise
The Australian Government’s 2025 edition of Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources (AIMR) highlights a surge in critical mineral reserves and production, reinforcing the nation’s role as a reliable supplier for high‑tech manufacturing, defence and clean‑energy sectors. Eleven critical minerals, including fluorine,...
DAT's Models Fail in Tight Market, Choose SONAR
Maybe if Ken wasn't so out of touch with the market, he would realize that DAT's models aren't working in a tightening market. His clients see it, he doesn't. When your data models rely strictly on the spot market and...
Insurance, Not Closure, Drives Hormuz Shipping Decline
Iran doesn’t need to physically “shut” the Strait of Hormuz—ship traffic has already plunged >80%. “Insurance availability may now act as a primary gating factor for transit decisions independent of formal navigational closure.” https://t.co/6FxXpLwnJq
US PX May Tighten on Mideast Gulf Fighting
US‑Israeli attacks on Iran have halted vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening paraxylene (PX) shipments from Saudi Arabia's Jubail port to the US Gulf Coast. While 56% of US PX imports come from Saudi Arabia, roughly half load...
Strait of Hormuz: Politics Clash, Captains Hold the Final Say
Iran says the Strait is closed. The U.S. military says it’s open. Reality: you still have to convince a captain to sail it. Ten years ago, shore-side managers could (and did) twist arms. Today? Nobody wants to become TikTok famous for twisting arms...
Tanker Stocks Fall as Key Oil Waterway Shuts
"Sell the News" even works for tanker stocks when the most important waterway for oil is practically (if not actually) closed. https://t.co/1Blk1tLMqJ
Explainer: How Europe’s Commercial Harbours Became Military Targets
Belgium announced the deployment of a NASAMS air‑defence system at the Port of Antwerp. The move reflects a broader shift as European commercial harbours are increasingly viewed as potential military targets amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Authorities across the continent are...
Insurance Rates Soar for Ships Entering Ukraine, Not Canceled
They didn’t even cancel insurance for ships targeted by Russia for entering Ukraine…. They just jacked up the rates. This is all very unusual.
Red Sea Crisis Hits 834 Days, Hormuz Just Three
“Today is day 834 of the Red Sea crisis and day 3 of the Hormuz crisis,” shipping analyst Lars Jensen
Understanding the Critical Supply Chain Memo Is Essential
“You’d have to have been dwelling deep inside the caverns of the Mammoth Cave for the last two decades or so to have missed ‘The #SupplyChain Memo.’ But getting the memo & grasping its imperative are two different things.” > https://t.co/9vm6ZldSMK #procurement #sustainability...