What We're Reading: Trendwatch Week 27

US proposes tariffs on another $4 billion of EU goods

July 1, 2019 - The U.S. Trade Representative’s office on Monday published a list of $4 billion worth of EU goods they could hit with duties as retaliation for European aircraft subsidies. The products range from cherries to meat, cheese, olives and pasta, along with some types of whiskey and cast-iron tubes and pipes. It adds to a list of EU products valued at $21 billion that the USTR released in April, according to the release.

Source: American Journal of Transportation

 

Moody's: With port automation comes political risk

June 27, 2019 - Automated operations mean fewer humans are needed to operate utility tractor rigs used to haul containers and fewer clerks and supervisor are required to oversee the operations - But at what cost? 

Source: Supply Chain Dive


HMM to join THE Alliance

July 1, 2019 - South Korean shipping line Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) will join ONE, Hapag-Lloyd and Yang Ming in THE Alliance, the smaller of the three global shipping consortiums, all founded within the last five years to make ocean shipping more profitable and provide better service by sharing vessels and slots. 

Source: Supply Chain Dive

 

ZIM expands partnership with Maersk, MSC

July 3, 2019 - Israeli shipping company Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) has further expanded its strategic cooperation with the members of the 2M Alliance – Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Source: World Maritime News

 

India closing in on using 100 million tons of steel

July 2, 2019 - India will continue to be a net importer of steel for at least the next two years as high-grade products from South Korea and Japan flow in tax free amid worries of escalation in supplies from China, according to Fitch Ratings Ltd.’s local unit.

Source: American Journal of Transportation

 

Consumer sentiment fell in June amid tariff threats

July 1, 2019 - After two months of ticking up, consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since September 2017, according to a report by The Conference Board. The group's Consumer Confidence Index dropped nearly 10 points in June to 121.5.

Source: Supply Chain Dive