What We're Reading: Trendwatch Week 15

Your weekly update on the latest trends and news from the supply chain world. 

Want to receive our weekly updates in your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter. 

 

US proposes tariffs on $11B of EU imports

April 9, 2019 - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a 14-page preliminary list of European Union goods "to be covered by additional duties," USTR said in a statement. The products total about $11 billion. USTR's tariff proposal comes in response to a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling, which found EU subsidies benefited Airbus and caused Boeing to lose sales and market share, resulting in "adverse effects" on the U.S., according to USTR. 
Source: Supply Chain Dive

 

Freight associations warn White House about border slowdown consequences

April 8, 2019 - A coalition of 18 freight, agricultural and manufacturing associations sent a letter to White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney Thursday to "express serious concerns with any new burdens that would slowdown or delay the movement of commercial goods across the U.S.-Mexico border." 
Source: Supply Chain Dive

Taxpayer-funded additional ferries for 'no-deal' Brexit already running

April 9, 2019 - Additional ferry services laid on for a no-deal Brexit have begun operating, despite the fact that the UK has not yet left the EU, and the government is hastily trying to recoup its investment.
Source: The Loadstar 


Boeing's 737 production cut echoes throughout the aerospace industry

April 9, 2019 - Boeing Co.’s plan to cut its 737 jetliner production by 19 percent this year is expected to have negative spillover effects across the aerospace industry, from parts suppliers to engine makers and even airlines. The planemaker on Friday said it would cut output to 42 airplanes a month by mid-April, as the company fights global criticism about the safety of its 737 Max jets after two tragic crashes that ultimately led to a grounding of the aircraft.
Source: Bloomberg


Electric cars already transforming automotive supply chains

April 9, 2019 - The widespread adoption of electric vehicles on the world’s roads is likely to cause seismic shifts in the provision of automotive supply chains, new research from Transport Intelligence claims.
Source: The Loadstar 


Electronic information exchange now mandatory for ports 

April 8, 2019 -  A mandatory requirement for national governments to introduce electronic information exchange between ships and ports came into effect from April 8, 2019. The requirement, mandatory under IMO's Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), is part of a package of amendments under the revised Annex to the FAL Convention, adopted in 2016.
Source: The Maritime Executive 


IMF cuts global growth outlook to lowest pace since crisis

April 9, 2019 - The International Monetary Fund cut its outlook for global growth to the lowest since the financial crisis amid a bleaker outlook in most major advanced economies and signs that higher tariffs are weighing on trade. The world economy will grow 3.3 percent this year, down from the 3.5 percent the IMF had forecast for 2019 in January, the fund said Tuesday in its latest World Economic Outlook. 

Source: American Journal of Transportation