Market Analysis

Chip stocks plummet amidst US-China tensions

Chip stocks worldwide have slumped due to fears surrounding the global computer chip industry. The sell-off followed reports that the Biden administration may further tighten restrictions on exports of semiconductor equipment to China. Comments by former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that Taiwan should fund its own defence, added to these concerns. In the US,

Read More
Supply Chain Management

The impact of globalisation on the electronic supply chain and its recent decline

Globalisation has bore the fruit of much of the modern era, but with tensions rising, how will its decline impact the electronic supply chain? Globalisation has significantly shaped the electronic supply chain over the past few decades. By enabling the seamless movement of goods, services, and capital across international borders, globalisation facilitated the creation of

Read More
News

Tariffs & restrictions: the U.S.-China trade war heats up

Many of us have heard over the past year or so of the trade war between the U.S. & China, with both parties looking to become independent of one another, so what’s happening currently? New waves of tariffs and restrictions have warmed things up recently as both parties tighten their grips at a crucial time

Read More
Industry Insights

What Happened To Wyoming’s Lithium?

A ticker-tape parade was the only thing missing when lithium deposits were discovered in southwest Wyoming near Rock Springs in 2013. At the time, there was one working lithium mine in the US; unfortunately, that’s still true. Demand for lithium was high then and has skyrocketed to meet its use in rechargeable and EV batteries.

Read More
Sourcing Strategies

The Value of Preparation in Advance of Procurement Negotiation

We all likely know how to achieve best practices in negotiations. You want to come to the best possible solution for both sides—win/win, and you already know your goals and timeline, you’re familiar with the contract you want, and you know how to play well in any situation. That, unfortunately, isn’t enough. Let’s look back

Read More
Industry Insights

EV Momentum—Where are we?

Last month, we examined if the EV push could be unraveling. This month, I’ll explore evidence that indicates EVs are picking up momentum globally. In this counterpoint article, let’s forget about the new EPA regulations and mandates for now while taking in adoption rates, what’s driving EV demand, rapid technology advances, and just how easy

Read More
Industry Insights

Could the EV Push be Unraveling?

We’ll explore the evidence that suggests it is. Stay tuned for January’s piece, when we’ll dive into the technology working to make it happen. There’s increasing evidence that the Biden Administration’s EV push may unravel. The administration’s regulations seem to necessitate an increase in EV sales from 8.5% to 67% of all U.S. auto sales

Read More
Supply Chain Management

The Real Impact of War on Global Supply Chains

There are obvious supply-chain impacts from war. Shortages, escalating prices, and the flow of goods are common short and long-term examples. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the more recent bloodshed between Hamas and Israel are certainly exhibiting the supply-chain impact mentioned. Still, there are more subtle effects as well. The Russia/Ukraine War

Read More
Supply Chain Management

Economic Instability and Supply Chains

A major supply chain challenge is economic instability. We know that supply chain challenges can cause economic instability, but what about the other way around? What impact does economic volatility have on supply chains—especially over an extended period? Supply chain challenges have been back-to-back and overlapping. Even before COVID-19’s demand surge and constrained supply wreaked

Read More
Supply Chain Management

Semiconductor Shortage the New Normal?

The automotive industry has faced significant challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on semiconductor chip availability, causing widespread disruptions across the sector and the global economy. However, as we approach mid-2023, the situation has stabilized, and the auto industry has adjusted to a new normal. While the shortage of semiconductor chips that

Read More