Category: Supply Chain

Companies Push Prices Higher, Protecting Profits but Adding to Inflation

Corporate profits have been bolstered by higher prices even as some of the costs of doing business have fallen in recent months.
Why Are Food Prices So High in Europe? Sugar, Cheese and Bread Costs Soar

Agricultural and energy costs are falling, but basic items remain stubbornly expensive for consumers.
Biden Officials Announce Indo-Pacific Trade Deal, Clashing With Industry Groups

The United States announced a deal to coordinate supply chains with allies, but prominent business groups said the deal fell short on reducing tariffs and other trade barriers.
Australia Tries to Break Its Dependence on China for Lithium Mining

Half of the world’s supply of the critical battery ingredient is mined in Australia, which ships virtually all of it to China. The government and business are betting they can change that.
China Escalates U.S. Tech War With Micron Ban

A Chinese government block on Micron Technology’s memory chips marks how far apart the two economic powers are drifting on tech policy.
China Bans Some Chip Sales of Micron, the US Company

Many analysts see the move as retaliation for Washington’s efforts to cut off China’s access to high-end chips.
The U.S. Needs Minerals for Electric Cars. Everyone Else Wants Them Too.

The United States is entering an array of agreements to secure the critical minerals necessary for the energy transition, but it’s not clear which of the arrangements can succeed.
Inflation Persists and Car Prices Are a Big Reason

Prices of new and used vehicles were supposed to recede quickly as supply chain problems dissipated. The market had other ideas.
G7 Countries Borrow China’s Economic Strategy

Wealthy democracies rev up an effort to spend trillions on a new climate-friendly energy economy, while stealing away some of China’s manufacturing power.
Drug Shortages Near an All-Time High, Leading to Rationing

A worrisome scarcity of cancer drugs has heightened concerns about the troubled generic drug industry. Congress and the White House are seeking ways to address widespread supply problems.
U.S. Solar Makers Criticize Biden’s Tax Credits as Too Lax on China

U.S.-based manufacturers of solar products say rules issued by the Biden administration on Friday will “cement China’s dominance” over the solar industry
‘De-Americanize’: How China Is Remaking Its Chip Business

Seven months after Washington unveiled tough curbs, Chinese companies are doubling down on homegrown supply chains and drawing billions in cash from Beijing and investors.