Category: Supply Chain

An Invisible Bottleneck: A Helium Shortage Threatens the Chip Industry

The New York Times – Business:
With a third of the global supply offline because of the war in Iran, gas companies are scrambling to assure critical A.I. chip makers there will be no disruptions.
Trump Sets Up ‘Pax Silica’ Fund to Reduce Global Dependencies

The New York Times – Business:
Trump officials said on Monday that the war in Iran had emphasized the need to reduce vulnerabilities for energy and technology.
Trump Sets Up ‘Pax Silica’ Fund to Reduce Global Dependencies

The New York Times – Business:
Trump officials said on Monday that the war in Iran had emphasized the need to reduce vulnerabilities for energy and technology.
War With Iran Puts Further Strain on America’s Pessimistic Farmers

The New York Times – Business:
Nearly 75 percent of farmers surveyed before the war said the crop sector was in a recession. They face bigger hurdles this planting season.
Crab Heist Puts Spotlight on Surge of Cargo Thefts

The New York Times – Business:
Stolen food and beverages, which are easier to offload than costly electronics, are driving an overall spike in cargo crimes, truckers, insurers and other experts say.
Trump Imposes Limited Tariffs on Foreign Semiconductors

The tariffs will allow President Trump to take a cut of Nvidia’s chip sales to China while putting off a decision about imposing higher taxes on the chip industry.
How U.S. Defense Industry Dodged a Rare-Earth Shortage After China’s Curbs

America’s ability to make precision-guided missiles was threatened during Trump’s tariff war. But experienced players have rescued the supply chain, for now.
How Japan Built a Rare-Earth Supply Chain Without China

The 15-year effort by Japan is a model for countries now scrambling to reduce their dependence on Beijing’s critical metals.
An Auto Holy Grail: Motors That Don’t Rely on Chinese Rare Earths

Weary of being captive to geopolitics, car companies are looking for ways to replace powerful rare-earth magnets in electric motors.
Netherlands Hands Back Control of Chipmaker Nexperia

Uncertainty over the availability of the Chinese-owned company’s chips, which are used in cars and electronics, had added to concerns of a global shortage.
Europe’s Chip Dreams Confront Business Realities

European chipmakers need TSMC’s help to grow their own semiconductor supply chain, but the chip giant’s Taiwanese suppliers find Europe a tough place to do business.
Poor Countries Got $1 Trillion From China. So Did Rich Ones.

Beijing has used loans to developing nations to expand its influence, but a new study says no country has received more Chinese financing than the United States.