Category: global supply chain

Experts Warn of China’s Near-Monopoly on Freight Container Production, Threatening Global Supply Chain

News Analysis A recent report from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) showed that China’s control of global container manufacturing poses a threat to supply chains and economies worldwide. On March 30, FMC Commissioner Carl Bentzel released his assessment (pdf) of China’s control of container and intermodal chassis manufacturing after a year of research, market…


China’s Lockdown of Nearly 400 Million Set to Strike a Blow to Economy

Factories have suspended production. Truckers are stuck on highways. Containers are piling up at ports. Shipping vessels have been waiting to unload. China’s economy is set to pay a price as the communist regime’s determination to stamp out the COVID-19 outbreak through harsh lockdowns have brought its manufacturing and commercial hubs, like Shanghai, to a…


China’s Zero-COVID Policy Could Be the World’s Top Risk Facing 2022 Experts say

New Analysis China’s zero-tolerance approach toward COVID-19 has resulted in continued city lockdowns, which exacerbated production and shipping congestions across the globe. Experts warn that Beijing’s extreme—and stubborn—measures to contain the virus could be the greatest risk facing the world in 2022. In a January report, U.S. political risk analysis and consultancy firm Eurasia Group…


Philips Registers 10 Percent Comparable Sales Decline in Q4

Koninklijke Philips NV reported a fourth-quarter FY21 sales decline of 5.6 percent year-on-year to €4.9 billion ($5.56 billion). The company attributed the comparable sales decline of 10 percent to headwinds caused by global supply chain challenges, postponement of equipment installations in hospitals, and consequences of the Respironics field action. The comparable order intake rose by 4…


China Locks Down World’s Third-Busiest Port City, Potential Disruption to Global Supply Chain

China’s industrial city of Ningbo and home to the third-largest container port in the world, has been under lockdown due to a recent COVID-19 outbreak. Analysts suggest that the lockdown measures could cause more disruption to the global supply chain. According to Chinese state-run media Global Times, Ningbo City in Zhejiang Province is under lockdown…


China Locks Down World’s Third-Busiest Port City, Potentially Disrupting Global Supply Chain

China’s industrial city of Ningbo and home to the third-largest container port in the world has been under lockdown due to a recent COVID-19 outbreak. Analysts suggest that the lockdown measures could cause more disruption to the global supply chain. According to Chinese state-run media Global Times, Ningbo City in Zhejiang Province is under lockdown…


China Reniforces its Monopoly in Global Logistic Chain, Uses Rare Earths Resource as Backing  

China is setting up an unprecedentedly large and wholly controlled global logistics group, with rare earths, the major export resource, at the core. This new layout would help the ruling regime enhance its dominance in the global supply chain and maintain a monopoly position inside and outside of China, an expert said. According to mouthpiece…


China’s Seven-Week Quarantine for Seafarers Sparks Outcry

Once the most convenient country to perform crew changes for seafarers, China has now become the most cumbersome after the Chinese regime instituted a seven-week COVID-19 mandatory quarantine policy for returning Chinese seafarers in November. The Chinese regime’s attempt to maintain a COVID-zero strategy has infuriated the shipping industry, as it sets off a fresh…


China’s 7-Week Quarantine for Seafarers Sparks Outcry

Once the most convenient country to perform crew changes for seafarers, China has now become the most cumbersome after the Chinese regime instituted a seven-week COVID-19 mandatory quarantine policy for returning Chinese seafarers in November. The Chinese regime’s attempt to maintain a COVID-zero strategy has infuriated the shipping industry, as it sets off a fresh…


South Korean Tech Companies Double Down on US Investments, Shifting Away From China

Earlier this month, South Korea’s tech conglomerate SK Group announced plans to invest $52 billion in the United States. Experts suggest the group’s latest commitment signals South Korea’s big shift from the Chinese supply chain. On Oct. 31, South Korean President Moon Jae-in attended a global supply chain summit convened by U.S. President Joe Biden…