Reviewing the logistics or economic metrics may lead you to think that your days are on repeat. U.S. Import data continues to show that the end to the global shipping crisis is not yet on the horizon. For this month’s review, we’re adopting a more holistic approach by...
Global Trade Data: Metals Markets Rise on Post-pandemic Demand Surges, Supply Crunch
Market watchers who bet on a post-pandemic commodities supercycle are looking like the smart money. Resurgent demand chasing short supply is driving prices to premium levels across global markets. Among the hottest sectors, metals saw prices take off from March lows...
Global Logistics Crisis Update: Is there a Light at the End of the Tunnel?
When in the midst of a challenging journey, most of us check the progress we are making, however slow, by looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. As part of Descartes’ ongoing update on the global shipping crisis, we will examine key logistics and economic...
Global Trade Data: Shift to ‘Stuff Economy’ Prolonging the Global Shipping Crisis
While it seems that COVID-19 is largely under control, the pandemic continues to affect supply chains in a profound way, according to latest global trade data from Descartes Datamyne. This includes new disruption of manufacturing and logistics operations with further...
USITC Report Finds Free Trade Agreements Made a Small, but Positive Difference to U.S. Economy
The U.S. International Trade Commission has filed a report on the measurable effects of U.S. free trade agreements on U.S. imports and exports, domestic production, income, and employment – new considerations for the ongoing debate regarding the pros and cons of...
Supply Chain Capacity Crunch
As one of the top stories of 2021, every day there are multiple stories about global importing and the current shipping crisis speculating when it might end. While there are many reasons it exists, sorting through the noise to find the answer is not an easy task....
Global Trade Data: Rising Demand for Furniture Frustrated by Supply Chain Woes
When COVID-19 shut down retail outlets, sales inevitably faltered. Then stuck-at-home consumers decided to redecorate – or move on and furnish someplace new – and orders for furniture surged. Sales are better than expected, but less than they might have been had...
U.S. Moves to Build Supply Chain Resiliency: How Importers Can Mitigate Disruption
The Biden Administration has announced plans to strengthen the resiliency of critical U.S. supply chains to protect American industries from shortages that were exacerbated by COVID-19, significantly impacting earnings prospects in several key U.S. industries. But...
USMCA – North American Trade Policy and Impact on Key Industries
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement The USMCA agreement came into effect on July 1st 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which had been in place since 1994. The aim of the new accord was to modernize trade policy among the U.S., Mexico...
U.S. Automakers Ponder Supply Chain Resiliency Strategy as Chips Crunch Chokes Assembly Lines
Global shortages of automotive semiconductors have forced car manufacturers to shut down assembly lines and mull supply chain resiliency strategies to prevent further disruptions over the long term. Now the Biden Administration, as part of its review of key U.S....