US orders government to prioritize domestic drug supply chain

A directive announced by the president Thursday would require government agencies to buy certain "essential" drugs from factories in the U.S.

By Ben Fidler • Aug. 6, 2020

DHL adds Foreign Trade Zone in Texas with plans for 3 more

The locations allow shippers to reduce the cost associated with tariffs on imported goods or component parts.

By Matt Leonard • July 24, 2020

Electronics supply chains are stuck between a pandemic and a trade war. Where do they go from here?

Shifting operations is a mammoth undertaking for the electronics industry due to China's specialized production capacities, co-location of key suppliers and economies of scale.

By Morgan Forde • July 23, 2020

MIT, CSCMP: 35% of companies lack supply chain sustainability goals

Social issues — child labor or slavery, worker welfare, etc. — received "far more" focus in companies' sustainability goals than environmental issues.

By Matt Leonard • July 20, 2020

FAA says airlines can clear seats for cargo as airfreight rates, new coronavirus cases rise

Airlines for America applied for the exemption to remove seats on May 6, arguing it was in the public interest that the planes be available to move essential cargo during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • Updated July 15, 2020

FDA releases food safety blueprint that uses tech to bolster visibility, recall tracking

Tech-enabled traceability, data tools, modernization and strengthening safety culture are ways the agency believes foodborne illnesses can be reduced.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 14, 2020

Maersk acquires KGH Customs Services for $281M

Maersk has been open about its ambitions to expand into other parts of the supply chain, positing logistics sector growth as a main business objective.

By Matt Leonard • July 6, 2020

US government to crack down on supply chains linked to human rights abuses in Xinjiang

The Department of Homeland Security said it will take "increased enforcement action" against U.S. businesses contributing to forced labor and other human rights abuses in the region.

By Morgan Forde • July 2, 2020

USMCA takes effect. How does it affect supply chains?

Shippers are struggling to determine whether ramping up nearshoring efforts or absorbing tariff costs from overseas suppliers is the most cost-effective strategy under the new NAFTA.

By Morgan Forde • July 1, 2020

Developing the coronavirus vaccine supply chain

Pharmas, nonprofit organizations and suppliers prepare to handle a high volume of vaccines, but component shortages and scaling up manufacturing present challenges.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • June 16, 2020

Port of LA's Seroka calls for nationwide data sharing portal

The system would allow ports, carriers and shippers to get a better view of cargo movement with details including when a customer makes a reservation and the location of containers throughout the country.

By Matt Leonard • June 12, 2020

Cross-border postal rates going up July 1 for many shippers

Increases are highly variable, but by one estimate the USPS inbound rate from China could go up 100% or more from the existing rate.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated June 9, 2020

Drones and delivery trucks could work together, but regulatory hurdles remain

Using drones and trucks for a hybrid delivery system can leverage the best elements of both modes within a shipper's network, according to a recent MIT research paper. 

By Morgan Forde • May 28, 2020

FAA exemption allows cargo to travel in passenger seats

Airlines for America, a trade association, filed for the exemption April 23, arguing it would open up more capacity for airlines to transport critical medical supplies.

By Matt Leonard • May 22, 2020

Experts: 3 ways coronavirus has shifted supply chains' focus

Practitioners from across the industry came together at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss how the pandemic is affecting their operations. 

By Matt Leonard • May 20, 2020

Drug manufacturer gets $354M federal contract to produce COVID-19 medicines in the US

The contract was awarded to Phlow, a little-known, Virginia-based company that aims to secure a U.S.-based supply chain for essential medicines.

By Jacob Bell • May 19, 2020

China waives retaliatory tariffs on 79 US import categories

The imports eligible for waivers include semiconductor parts, medical disinfectants, rare earth metals and chemical products.

By Morgan Forde • May 13, 2020

USDA to purchase $470M in surplus meat, dairy and produce

After facing criticism that the government's efforts have been slow to help producers during the pandemic, the department said this will allow food to be distributed to communities nationwide.

By Lillianna Byington • May 5, 2020

7 states form regional supply chain to buy $5B in medical equipment to fight coronavirus

Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island want to use their combined purchasing power to drive down prices for in-demand items like ventilators and personal protective equipment.

By Rebecca Pifer • May 4, 2020

Medical association pushes US to lift tariffs on Chinese imports of devices needed to fight COVID-19

The trade group wants indefinite exemptions for imaging components and devices used in ventilators, among other items. It also floated a compromise: re-imposing them one year after the pandemic passes.

By Nick Paul Taylor • April 30, 2020

FMC detention, demurrage guidance comes as coronavirus outbreak aggravates preexisting port problems

The FMC's final guidance on what constitutes fair charges can also help inform contract negotiations.

By S.L. Fuller • April 29, 2020

UAW says May start is too early for automotive manufacturing

Last week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 15. The UAW said it supported the extension.

By Matt Leonard • April 27, 2020

90-day delay of tariff payments does not include Trump administration duties on Chinese goods

Importers must demonstrate "significant financial hardship" to qualify for the temporary payment delay.

By Matt Leonard • Updated April 21, 2020

DOJ clears antitrust concerns, allows medical suppliers to collaborate on manufacturing and distribution

Five major medical suppliers wrote to the agency seeking an antitrust enforcement reprieve in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 6, 2020

How the CARES Act will affect supply chains

The law offers financial relief to businesses weathering COVID-19 disruption and attempts to keep freight and last-mile cargo moving.

By Morgan Forde • April 1, 2020