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
Report: Warehouse Automation Order Intake up by 7%
A new Interact Analysis report shows warehouse‑automation order intake rose 7 % in 2025 despite a weak macro environment, driven largely by inflated project values from rising steel and labor costs and large‑scale investments by retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Tesco. The report forecasts regional growth variations, with EMEA leading at roughly 7 % annual growth through 2030, the Americas at 6 % and APAC lagging due to a Chinese demand slowdown. Longer‑term outlook points to a 6 % global CAGR, buoyed by parcel‑sector automation but tempered by structural headwinds.
Five Probable Paths to End Ukraine War
As the conflict enters its fifth year, I’ve mapped the most credible pathways to how it ends: ceasefire, collapse, escalation... Five scenarios. Assigned probabilities. Clear drivers and risk implications. My latest Substack is below, or the link is in my bio. https://open.substack.com/pub/geopoliticalguy/p/how-the-war-in-ukraine-ends?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
India Is Conducting Exercise for Mapping Import Reliance
India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched an exercise to map import reliance by cataloguing goods that lack domestic manufacturing across all ministries. The initiative will compile five‑year public procurement data, targeting the $650 billion import...
RXO: TL Market Seeing ‘Biggest Structural Change’ Since Deregulation
Freight broker RXO reports truckload spot rates outpacing contract rates as capacity tightens, marking the most significant structural shift in the U.S. carrier market since the 1980 deregulation. Its proprietary spot‑rate index rose 5.2% year‑over‑year in Q4 and is up...
Neptune Updates Ancillary Surcharges
Neptune announced a revised ancillary surcharge schedule for Australian terminal and third‑party services, effective 25 March 2025. The new fees include AU$550 per unit for late receival, AU$350 for PONDUS weight amendments, and AU$150 per change‑of‑status request. Yard moves will cost AU$250...
Voestalpine Railway Systems’ Key Role in EU Rail FA3
voestalpine Railway Systems has joined as a founding member of the EU Rail FA3 programme, a pan‑European research effort to make rail the most sustainable and cost‑efficient transport mode. The company contributes its turnout and track‑system expertise across four use...
CSX CEO: Flat Industrial Results Holding Back Railroad Freight Growth
CSX Chief Executive Steve Angel told investors that flat industrial production worldwide is the primary reason railroad freight volumes have stagnated. He noted that China’s growth engine has faded, Europe never delivered growth, and emerging markets lack the scale to...
Expeditors Numbers Reflect Difficult Ocean Freight Market in 4Q
Expeditors International reported a weak fourth quarter 2025, with ocean freight tonnage down 6% year‑over‑year and revenue slipping 3% to $2.86 billion. Operating income fell 17% to $250.9 million and net income dropped to $200.7 million, while salaries and other expenses rose 6%....
SONAR Launches 30-Day Free Trial of Blue to Blue iOS App for First-Time Users
SONAR, a leading freight market intelligence platform, announced a limited‑time promotion that gives first‑time users a 30‑day free trial of its Blue to Blue iOS app. The trial runs through March 31 2026 and provides full access to lane‑level spot rates, custom...
Unlock the ROI of Mobile Robots: Roboteon Launches New Complimentary Robotics Investment Impact Analysis
Roboteon has introduced a free Robotics Investment Impact Analysis that leverages its vendor‑independent simulation platform to model warehouse automation scenarios. The service promises detailed insights into robot‑human staffing, cost per pick, throughput, and ROI within a 2‑3 week timeframe. It...
Mitsubishi Electric US Announces Structural Reorganization in the US
On February 5, 2026, Mitsubishi Electric US announced a structural reorganization that consolidates Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (MEAU) and Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America’s (MEAA) operations under Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. (MEUS). The automation business becomes the Industrial Automation Division of...
Cold Chain Technologies Opens Major Mumbai Facility
Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) inaugurated a 42,000‑square‑foot, state‑of‑the‑art facility in Taloja, Navi Mumbai, expanding its Indian footprint. The site integrates manufacturing, R&D and validation under one roof, delivering rapid turnaround and tighter quality control for pharma and life‑sciences customers. Its...
60,000 Forged Certificates — Only One Man to Blame?
A UK‑based individual forged more than 60,000 authenticity certificates for CFM56 engine components between 2019 and 2023, selling counterfeit parts valued at roughly $9.3 million. The parts entered the global aftermarket and were installed by multiple MROs and airlines without proper...
PIL Gets License to Operate in Saudi Ports
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has issued a unified license that officially recognises PIL as an authorized foreign investor in the Kingdom’s ports. The licence, issued under Maritime Agency Services regulations, is designed to raise operational quality and efficiency while...
Powerful New Royal Navy Warship Programme Advances as Milestones Reached for Two Ships
Two of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates, HMS Active and HMS Bulldog, have reached critical production milestones at Babcock’s Rosyth yard, with Active rolled out and Bulldog’s steel‑cut ceremony held. The programme sustains roughly 2,500 jobs across shipyards and the UK...
Tariffs Spike Costs, Crashing DTC ROAS
Your ad account looks fine: - ROAS is holding - CPMs are manageable - Conversions are flowing But your spreadsheet is screaming. As of February 2026, the average US tariff rate sits at 17% on all imports. For DTC brands...
Explainer: Why Legal Clarity Could Create Commercial Paralysis
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s emergency tariffs, wiping out roughly $175 billion in duties. While the decision removes a costly tariff burden, it also leaves the maritime sector with unresolved refund mechanisms and a patchwork of competing...
Lean Teams and Outsourcing Drive Higher Profits
One store owner in @ecomfuel had 35 people on payroll. He made some hard calls. Hired a 3PL. Replaced most full-timers with freelancers. Today he has one employee and eight contractors. His profits have never been higher. And his management stress is...
UK to Remove Turkish HDG Quota Exemption
The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) plans to strip Turkey of its developing‑economy exemption for hot‑dip galvanised (HDG) steel, moving Turkish shipments into the capped “other countries” quota. The move follows Tata Steel’s complaint that Turkish imports surged to 58,030 t...
Final Piece in Place for Defence Support Transformation
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £113 million contract to the Digital Allies consortium—PA Consulting and Accenture—to deliver the Defence Logistics Information Services (DLIS) under the Business Modernisation for Support (BMfS) programme. This contract completes a suite of BMfS...
Innovative Solutions to Boost Munitions Outload Capability
Trials at Defence Munitions Kineton demonstrated that low‑cost, innovative solutions can modernise the munitions out‑load process. The OUTLOAD programme comprises three projects – SAGE, which pilots satellite, 4G and Wi‑Fi links to provide real‑time stock visibility in signal‑restricted warehouses; PAXO,...
Minke Marine Air Lubrication System Receives Second ClassNK AiP
Minke Marine A.L. LLC has obtained a second Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for its patented air lubrication system (ALS), following a prior DNV endorsement. The company is now receiving verified performance data from its first ALS installation on...
Here’s How Much Shipowners Have Saved up to Invest in US-Built Tonnage
U.S. shipowners and domestic shipyards have set aside roughly $2.59 billion in tax‑deferred Capital Construction Funds earmarked for new U.S.-built vessels, according to the Trump administration’s Maritime Action Plan. The plan touts the accounts as a successful incentive mechanism designed to...
Hoyer VMS Group Strengthens Chinese Presence with Headquarters Expansion
Hoyer VMS Group is expanding its Asian headquarters in Ningbo, China, adding a 3,800‑square‑meter warehouse and workshop. The new facilities boost the company’s ability to serve shipowners, fleet managers, shipyards and OEMs throughout Asia. This is the first major strategic...
Govt Praises Kansanshi for Driving Local Supplier Development in North-Western Province
The Zambian government praised Kansanshi Mining PLC for hosting a Tender and Bid Workshop aimed at strengthening local suppliers and contractors in the North‑Western Province. Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi highlighted the workshop’s role in advancing local content and reinforcing...
AD Ports Breaks Ground on Khalifa Port LPG Terminal
AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals have broken ground on the UAE’s first private‑sector LPG terminal at Khalifa Port. Phase 1 will feature two full‑containment refrigerated tanks—50,000 cbm of propane and 67,000 cbm of butane—plus four mounded bullet tanks totaling 21,000 cbm, with Phase 2...
AM SOLUTIONS INTRODUCES THE M4 BASIC, A COST-EFFECTIVE ENTRY-LEVEL MODEL POST-PROCESSING SYSTEM
AM Solutions, a brand of the Rösler Group, launched the M4 Basic, a compact, cost‑effective vibratory finishing system for additive‑manufactured metal and polymer parts. The unit processes workpieces up to 70 × 70 × 25 mm and combines a 20‑litre rotary vibrator with a 25‑litre...
Top-Rated Gel Packs for Physical Therapy: Best Brands and Where to Buy
Healthcare leaders and clinicians are evaluating top‑rated gel packs for physical therapy, focusing on durability, temperature retention, and supply‑chain reliability. Leading providers include Pelton Shepherd, Chattanooga ColPac, Elasto‑Gel, Core Products, and Cardinal Health, each offering reusable hot and cold packs...
Revealing the ‘50 to Know,’ ‘50 to Watch,’ ‘Future 5’ Start-Ups and ‘Hall of Fame’ Procurement Provider Lists for 2025-2026
The Hackett Group’s Solution Intelligence team released its 13th 50 to Know and 50 to Watch procurement provider lists, alongside the Hall of Fame and the 8th Future 5 for 2025‑2026. After evaluating roughly 220 global vendors, 117 solutions earned placement across the...
Kongsberg Maritime Expands Offerings in Indonesia with PT PAL MoU
Kongsberg Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PT PAL, Indonesia’s largest state‑owned shipyard, to deepen collaboration on marine technology solutions. The ceremony in Surabaya was attended by senior officials from both companies and the Norwegian ambassador. The MoU follows...
FedEx Sues for Tariff Refunds, May Keep Profits
When you get a FedEx parcel from overseas, technically FedEx is the importer of record that pays the tariffs. Then they send you a bill for the tariffs. They’re now suing the government to get a refund on those tariffs. I...
Germany's De‑risking From China Exposes Costly Dependencies
Germany is finding out that “de-risking” from China is painful when dependencies have previously been knowingly created. Chinese price advantages & deliberate dumping are hurting German cos. via @JamesAngelos @Jordyn_Dahl @POLITICOEurope https://t.co/g7oYgu9xEX
Silk Searoad Appoints V. For Bulk, Tanker Fleet Management
V. has entered a technical management partnership with Greek shipowner Silk Searoad Maritime to oversee its eight‑vessel fleet, comprising five bulk carriers and three tankers. The agreement gives Silk Searoad access to V.’s global marine services, data‑driven performance platforms, and the Marcas...
VCs Misuse Dual‑use Hype; Stop Relying on Grants
Certainly GTM is very different. And there are supply chain issues in current environment. Would add: NOT doing dual use is not an excuse to rely on grants and research money, stuff becoming too expensive, and not being able to...
US Government Fails to Push Firms Toward Supply‑Chain Security
Great story in the New York Times highlighting the difficulties that the US government has faced in getting the world's most profitable companies to take supply chain security seriously, and reduce their exposure to a crisis in the Taiwan straights 1/...
Grangemouth Port Acquires New Cranes
Port of Grangemouth has completed a structural upgrade of two Liebherr ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes originally installed in 2006. The refurbishment extends their operational lifespan, offering a cost‑effective alternative to full replacement while keeping the terminal’s annual throughput of over 250,000...
Europe Must Block Chinese‑Made Cars From Flooding Market
Good points from Thorsten Brenner -- The "car bosses" are tempted to use their Chinese factories to supply the European market. Deindustrializing Europe isn't their concern. European policy makers need a policy framework that makes this impossible...
U.S. Navy Intercepts Sanctioned Tanker Bertha in Indian Ocean
Bertha, don’t you come around here anymore U.S. Chase Ends in Indian Ocean with Boarding of Sanctioned Tanker 'Bertha' https://t.co/Fj8QRsuz6N
Big Joe Forklifts Launches WS25-40 High Performance Lithium-Ion Stacker to Boost Productivity in Tight Spaces
Big Joe Forklifts introduced the WS25‑40 High Performance Lithium‑ion Stacker, a walk‑straddle stacker designed for tight warehouse aisles. The model lifts between 2,500 and 4,000 lb and features a compact footprint, fully proportional controls, and an integrated lithium‑ion battery with onboard...
Memory Chip Prices Surge 50% in Two Weeks
Wow, a respondent to the Dallas Fed's Service Sector report said that the prices they're paying for memory chips have jumped 50% in the last two weeks https://t.co/RdULT0epp4
Importers May Front‑Load Amid Flat Trump Tariffs
Countries and export options other than the US. Trump flat tariff. Will importers front load like before? Five years and continuing supply chain importance.
Untitled
Zebra Technologies’ AltiZ 3D sensors now power EBI Electric’s Inspector T lumber‑scanning system, delivering an eightfold increase in measurement precision. The AI‑enhanced solution identifies defects such as knots, cracks and rot, enabling manufacturers to boost usable wood yields by up to...
SCOTUS Tariff Ruling: What Actually Changes
Must Read: Important new blog on what the SCOTUS tariff ruling does and does not actually change by @KClausing Obstfeld @PIIE
AI Could Outperform Executives in Designing Resilient Supply Chains
Would AI, instead of the C-suite, improve supply chain design and performance? Especially after five years of disruption and now unpredictability. https://t.co/Z60firMpE4
How SCADA and Analytics Software Improve OEE
Manufacturers and OEMs are turning to integrated SCADA and analytics software to boost overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Real‑time visibility into availability, performance, and quality replaces manual PLC checks and paper logs, enabling instant downtime tracking and quality monitoring. The combined...
Geodis in New Rail-Road Service for Skincare Specialist Naos
France’s Geodis has launched a multimodal rail‑road service for skincare specialist Naos, moving products from a northern collection point in Neuville‑en‑Ferrain to a southern warehouse in Port Saint Louis via a 45‑km truck leg to Dourges and then by train...
Supply Chains Brace for Post‑Tariff Uncertainty
What will Trump do with tariff that expire in 150 days? What next? What are China’s countermeasures? What will supply chains do now? After these tariffs expire? Prepare or react?
Riyadh Air to Launch Daily Service to Cairo
Riyadh Air announced daily service between Riyadh and Cairo, launching soon on its new Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner. The route taps a high‑traffic corridor that carried 2.7 million passengers last year and joins the airline’s forthcoming London and Dubai flights. The addition...
Nomad Digital Surpasses 2,000 Days without Lost Time Injury Milestone
Nomad Digital has achieved over 2,000 consecutive days without a lost‑time injury, covering 2.7 million working hours across 13 countries. The milestone, reached in December 2025, follows a prior record of 2.5 million hours LTI‑free earlier in the year. During the period the...
Dutch and Korean Builders Achieve the Impossible
I visited this ship when she was being built. Truly a “How the F are they going to make this work?” moment. When they work together the Dutch and South Korean shipbuilders accomplish the impossible. And this isn’t even the most...