Top challenges facing drug supply chains

Issues like compliance and cold-chain shipping are just two of the hurdles that medicines have to overcome when getting from manufacturers to patients. 

By Ned Pagliarulo , Edwin Lopez • April 23, 2018

COSCO may sell Long Beach terminal to clear OOCL deal

U.S. regulators are scrutinizing the deal, worried a major terminal may fall under a Chinese state-owned enterprise's control.

By Edwin Lopez • April 23, 2018

Chain Reaction: Trump flirts with rejoining Pacific trade deal, but it was just a tease

In other trade news, tariffs are having their intended effect on the steel industry, but other industries are scrambling to absorb high costs.

By Kate Patrick Macri • April 20, 2018

Manufacturers voice concerns as steel prices skyrocket

The rising prices, a reaction to tariffs announced last month, are "killing" American businesses, according to some manufacturers.

By Shefali Kapadia • April 20, 2018

China announces formal ban on 32 scrap categories

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, this ban will take effect in two phases — half at the end of 2018 and half at the end of 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • April 19, 2018

Supreme Court appears hesitant to overturn 'antiquated' sales tax precedent

During oral arguments in South Dakota v. Wayfair, some justices suggested Congress may be better equipped to tackle the issue. But states and companies are looking for a firm decision.

By Corinne Ruff • April 18, 2018

The new USPS reform bill could shake up supply chains

To stem 11 consecutive years of net losses, Sen. Tom Carper's bill would promote better debt management, allow the post office to ship alcohol and modernize rates.

By Kate Patrick Macri • April 17, 2018

What's at stake in the e-commerce sales tax debate

This week, SCOTUS will hear oral arguments in South Dakota v. Wayfair. It has the potential to overturn a precedent that dictates when e-tailers pay state sales tax.

By Corinne Ruff • April 16, 2018

Chain Reaction: Trump's aid package could be disastrous for ag supply chains

Single sourcing continues to plague various supply chains globally, while Nikola Motors and Tesla battle to be the top name in electric trucking. 

By Kate Patrick Macri • April 13, 2018

Solar installations rise in 2017, but tariffs may slow procurement

Procurement trends in the renewable energy sector show the vast impact regulatory policy can have to incentivize green supply chains.

By Rich Weissman • April 13, 2018

Jack Ma: A trade war could hurt retail, jobs and opportunity

The looming trade war between the U.S. and China would hurt small business, writes the executive chairman of Alibaba. 

By Jack Ma • April 12, 2018

Corporate responsibility starts with the supply chain

Global supply chains are complex and often not very transparent, making it an ideal starting point for companies to improve their social responsibility. 

By Kate Patrick Macri • April 12, 2018

Can Amazon and its marketplace rivals fix their counterfeits problem?

Counterfeiting could soon be a $1 trillion criminal enterprise. As fakes proliferate online, the government is taking notice and brands are taking their arguments public — and to court.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 11, 2018

With ELD enforcement here, how do supply chains return to 'normal'?

Enforcement of the electronic logging device mandate will have a ripple effect across all parts of the value chain. 

By Shefali Kapadia • April 10, 2018

Trump, tariffs, trade wars and tech: What you need to know

Intellectual property protections and technology transfers have been a problem in China for decades, and the tariff tit-for-tat is just one attempt to pressure China to reform.

By Alex Hickey • April 9, 2018

Round 8? NAFTA 2.0 outline may come this month

North America’s top trade ministers met last week in Washington, hoping to reach an “agreement-in-principle” they could sell the world by the end of the month.

By Edwin Lopez • April 9, 2018

As US-China trade tensions flare, manufacturing caught in the crossfire

Tariffs could make plastic manufacturing in the U.S. more expensive, leading to fewer purchases of the material. 

By Cody Boteler • April 6, 2018

Chain Reaction: Trade war fears spook investors, but should supply chains worry?

It's been a rough week for the stock market as retaliatory tariff proposals and bankruptcy rumors abound.

By Kate Patrick Macri • April 5, 2018

Distributors, manufacturers could pay the price for US-China tariff spat

Tit-for-tat tariffs on products and intellectual property will carry long-term effects on many actors in the supply chain. 

By Alex Hickey • April 5, 2018

Trump's China tariffs hit consumer electronics, home appliances

While everyday products like clothing and shoes are not on the list, trade groups raised concerns that several key categories will be affected.

By Corinne Ruff • April 4, 2018

Contracts may be ag shippers' saving grace after China tariffs

The Agriculture Transportation Coalition says shippers can invoke "force majeure" clauses to sidestep contract obligations if demand does not justify cargo targets.

By Edwin Lopez • April 3, 2018

Enforcement of ELD mandate begins

Drivers operating trucks without electronic logging devices will be placed out of service for 10 hours. 

By Shefali Kapadia • April 2, 2018

China puts tariffs on $3B worth of selected U.S. food exports

In the wake of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, American farmers and producers had been nervously eyeing China's plan to strike back.

By Cathy Siegner • April 2, 2018

ELD suppliers prepare for a second wave of adoption

With enforcement of the electronic logging device mandate beginning Sunday, suppliers are prepared to meet demands from trucking companies scrambling to adopt the devices. 

By Craig Guillot • March 29, 2018

New FMCSA chief 'all ears' on improving HOS inefficiencies

The newly appointed administrator is considering how hours-of-service regulations are enforced now that ELD data is coming in.

By Edwin Lopez • March 27, 2018