Global Scans · Logistics · Weekly Summary

• [New] Overall, while the target of $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030 presents significant challenges, officials are optimistic about overcoming them through strategic infrastructure development and integration into global supply chains. Optimize IAS
• [New] Softlines, Hardlines & Toys (46% of divisional revenue) saw high-single digit organic growth in the first quarter of 2024, due to the end of destocking and early shipments, in response to logistics delays from the Red Sea shipping lanes disruptions. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Demand for supply chain resiliency has surged following a series of disruptions to global trade in recent years - most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, the blockage of the Suez Canal and conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East. BizClik Media Ltd.
• [New] Geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains have highlighted the risks associated with offshore manufacturing. BusinessCloud
• [New] Investments and efficiency measures could halve travel times and triple trade flows by 2030, benefiting China-Europe trade and supply chains. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] The integration of AI could transform energy grids into intelligent networks that optimize energy flow and distribution, drastically reducing waste and increasing the overall stability of energy systems worldwide. IPS Inter Press Service Business
• [New] Geopolitical Risks: The IMF highlights geopolitical risks such as conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine that could disrupt aggregate supply chains and lead to increased prices. EDUREV.IN
• [New] The focus on infrastructure and technology is expected to propel India to stay on the curve of technological innovation, consolidate and solidify its position in the global supply chain. Economic Times
• [New] While boosting the US manufacturing of chips and other products could create jobs and help secure supply chains, it could lead to higher prices for American consumers. Insider
• [New] While drug shortages have catapulted across the U.S. and Europe in recent years, Britain faces a higher risk as Brexit has lowered the value of sterling and removed the UK from EU supply chains. AOL
• [New] Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and tensions between world powers are just a few examples of the constant, unexpected hurdles businesses navigate today. hospitalitylawyer.com
• [New] Further Iranian attacks will not destroy Israel, improve its treatment of Palestinians, or make it stop targeting IRGC leaders and supply chains. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• [New] Malaysia's government is signaling its intent to move away from the low end of the chip supply chain - and the tech rivalry between the U.S. and China could help the Southeast Asian country stand out. Fortune Asia
• [New] As with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, further conflict has the potential to destabilise oil prices and disrupt supply chains. The Conversation
• [New] The tragic Baltimore bridge collision has caused increasing delays and changing trading flows to a supply chain that was already volatile from Houthi disruptions, the drought in the Panama Canal, and other factors. Windward
• The World Bank Group will work to connect 250 million people to electricity through distributed renewable energy systems or the distribution grid while the African Development Bank Group will support an additional 50 million people. World Bank
• Supply chain disruptions: Disruptions in the global supply chain, such as trade disputes, transportation issues, or natural disasters, can affect the availability and cost of raw materials and finished furniture products. MarkWide Research
• Food prices are seen rising by an estimated $33,000 over the lifetime of a 2024 baby, due to disruptions to agriculture and supply chains. CNN
• Critical minerals are defined as metallic or non-metallic elements found in the earth that are both crucial for modern technologies or national security and face the risk of supply chain disruption. The Conversation
• Breaks in the cold chain of the distribution of mRNA vaccines can mean the loss of thousands of vaccines and can hurt global vaccination efforts; the final mile of vaccine distribution will be a huge hurdle to overcome in scale-up efforts. PubMed Central (PMC)
• Supply chain issues still carry the biggest risk premium as Iran maintains its threat to shut the Suez Canal. brecorder
• External risks include increased trade tensions with the United States and European Union weakening the PRC's exports; escalated geopolitical tensions that may disrupt supply chains; renewed energy challenges triggered by geopolitical conflict; and fragmentation of the global economy. Asian Development Bank

Last updated: 27 April 2024