Supply Chain Research

Supply Chain Edge: Apple branches out, early peak evidence

May 10, 2024

• In new research this week, we look at how Apple Inc.’s supply chain has changed in the past year through its supplier and critical mineral reports. Elsewhere in tech, conditions in the electronics industry have improved but have yet to return to growth, as shown by the latest S&P Global Purc... Read more →

Supply China Edge: Tech restrictions widen, Adidas kicks inventory, rate boom returns

May 2, 2024

• In new research this week, we dive into Japan’s latest technology restrictions, which follow a surge in exports to mainland China and carry the risk of retaliation. Elsewhere in tech, telecom network equipment supply chains show signs of bifurcating. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Lt... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: America’s tariffs, battery finance chickens, freight’s silver lining

April 26, 2024

• Supply chains have been beset by a swathe of new trade protectionism in the past week. In new research, we take a deep dive into the US administration of President Joe Biden’s new tariffs on imports from mainland China. We also dig into mainland China’s tariffs on US chemicals and Taiwanese ... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: Aluminum sanctioned, Aries seized, Apple spreads

April 19, 2024

• The UK and US have applied new rules to limit Russia’s earnings from aluminum, copper and nickel, but the main result may just be shifting trade flows. The Biden administration is also launching a new range of aluminum and steel tariffs. Indonesia’s nickel policies may have claimed another v... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: Stellar start, building ban, India’s Apple

April 12, 2024

• In new research this week, we find that US seaborne imports have a stellar start to 2024 with growth of 15% year over year in the first quarter, driven by industrial materials. Caution is needed as growth may slow and the prospects for the peak season are clouded by supply chain disruptions ... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: ONE’s big target, Taiwan’s quake, solar’s eclipsed

April 5, 2024

• In new research this week, we take a deeper look at the supply chain impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster in Baltimore, looking at how shipping routes are healing around the disruption, as well as detailing the effects in the automotive, construction equipment and coal sectors. El... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: Bridge to the future, peak season prep, new chips

March 28, 2024

• In new research this week we look ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond and find that supply chains are likely to remain in a state of flux and disruptions. Logistics challenges through the Red Sea are set to continue heading into the critical peak season, though trade growth is expected to r... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: Trump’s car directions, AIS off, AI memory on

March 22, 2024

• Automotive supply chains are among the most complex, from both operational and regulatory perspectives. In new research this week, we look at the US presidential candidates’ policies on automotive tariffs and find that mainland China is an integral part of Mexico’s vehicle supply chains. Mea... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: Red Sea inventory fallout, smart strikes, fab spending

March 15, 2024

• In new research reports this week, we dig into the evidence for continued inventory destocking despite Red Sea disruptions, the impact of strikes in Finland and new investments in India’s semiconductor supply chain.
• Elsewhere in industrials, we also dig into the EU’s watering-down of... Read more →

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Supply Chain Edge: Beyond AI, refrigerator reflation, limited Red Sea scope

March 1, 2024

• In new research, we take a deep dive into the semiconductor sector and find that the excitement around AI is hiding a sluggish recovery in consumer, mobility and industrial activity. The sector will remain at the nexus of industrial and national security policies. Elsewhere in technology, we... Read more →