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.

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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

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Regulation

A Look at China’s IC Expansion

China is expanding its IC capabilities at all costs, and the “game” is playing out internationally. The stakes are high for all involved, especially China and the U.S. Addressing what it views as a significant threat, the U.S. government established export control regulations specifically aimed at China’s artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries on October

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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

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Supply Chain Management

How Higher Freight Impacts Procurement Challenges

Many supply chain elements take a toll on procurement professionals, and the increase in freight charges accounts for a myriad of woes. Here’s a look at a few of those woes, including the impact of higher costs, timing as it applies to what’s happened to Just-in-Time delivery and the ongoing delivery delays, how freight challenges

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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

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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

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Sustainability

Ethical Considerations in Procurement: Nurturing Transparency, Fairness, and Social Responsibility

Procurement is crucial for any organization, encompassing acquiring goods and services to support business operations. However, this seemingly routine process can significantly impact a company’s reputation, sustainability, and overall success. Ensuring ethical procurement practices is paramount, as it fosters stakeholder trust, safeguards against potential conflicts of interest, promotes fair treatment of suppliers, and upholds corporate

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Supply Chain Management

The Simultaneous Existence of EV and ICE Supply Chains

There’s an unprecedented supply chain transformation happening in the automotive industry. On the electric vehicle side (EVs), experts estimate that manufacturers will spend more than $1.2 trillion through 2030, creating millions of electric vehicles. However, the existing supply chain for internal combustion engines (ICE) still won’t disappear. There are two separate supply chains, and while

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Supply Chain Management

5 Positive Signs of Stability in the Electronics Supply Chain

Doom, gloom, weather, war, and pandemics. Supply chain instability is the new norm. However, it’s important to recognize signs that not all is terrible, hopeless, or unpredictable. Here are five supply chain bits of better news. Of course, you might have to read it fast…things could change. #1 Electronic Components Find Stability Although we may

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