• The US autoworkers’ strike has ended, causing a 0.2-percentage-point drag to US GDP and US$3 billion of lost profits for the “Big 3” automakers — ratification should not be taken for granted. Other automakers are struggling with supply chain shortages, and more evidence of a slowdown in electric vehicle supply chains is emerging.
• The latest cutbacks to activity through the Panama Canal will accelerate a shift away from east coast ports for Asian shipments, although it is still quicker to go via Panama than Suez, for now. The major freight forwarders and container lines are c...