A Regional Approach Helps Supply Chains Weather Trade Disruption
Published in SupplyChainDive on Feb. 13, 2020 "As manufacturers realize what can be achieved with technology such as AI, IoT, robotics, and additive manufacturing, they are sourcing manufacturing closer to the customer to create a customer experience advantage (rapid customization and delivery) with a lower cost base," comments said [...]
U.S., China Sign Historic Phase One Trade Deal
January 17, 2020 According to the National Association of Manufacturers press release, the U.S and China trade deal is an unprecedented phase one win for manufacturers. Previously the NAM CEO lamented that "China has proven one of the most troubling markets in the world for manufacturers, due to its [...]
Is Vietnam the New China?
November 15, 2019 Possibly, and "it depends"! China has been moving factories to Vietnam since the early 2000's, and so it is certainly a place to consider. With the tariffs, global uncertainty, rising wages in China and social / political implications, Vietnam can provide a viable alternative especially [...]
The Value of Export
September 19, 2019 My colleague, Kusum Kavia recommended me for CIEDEC which is the Califorina Inland Empire District Export Council, and so I attended a meeting as a guest. Export is a vast opportunity. Just consider a few facts: 95% of potential customers are outside of the U.S. 97% [...]
The New NAFTA & What It Means
November 30, 2018 Earlier today, the USMCA (new NAFTA) agreement was signed by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It still needs to be ratified by lawmakers but several immediate protections went into effect. Since I am surrounded by manufacturing and supply chain organizations and professionals in terms of clients, [...]
The Ladies of Logistics & Global Trends
September 10, 2018 Thanks to Elizabeth Warren for hosting the informal Southern CA group, the Ladies of Logistics (LOL) as we had a fabulous time and made amazing connections. Where else can you go and see every key connection related to trucking, the ports, freight forwarders, logistics, global [...]
Trans-Pacific Trade Delays – Are You Prepared?
August 24, 2018 Thanks to Dave Porter for sharing - Vessel operations and capacity in the last 10 days have been severely impacted by two typhoons in Asia (Central & North China). Major ports such as Shanghai have been shut down for 2-3 days which has caused a ripple [...]
Supply Chain: Keeping an Eye on Global Markets
If there ever was a strategic topic of critical importance no matter your position in the supply chain, it is keeping an eye on global markets. We've worked with clients who ONLY source materials, components and products from U.S.-based suppliers yet even they must pay attention to global markets [...]
Are You Reshoring?
Many U.S. companies active in China have moved some operations out of the country – 38% relocated to North America. My APICS Inland Empire Chapter hosted a program on "Changing Trade Policies and its Effect on Reshoring" with Michele Nash-Hoff, author of "Rebuild Manufacturing - the key to American [...]