Supply chains never sleep, and this week has been no exception. From tariff worries to green tech awards, here’s a look at the key events shaping global logistics from January 11th to 17th, 2025.

Tariff Fears Propel Cargo Frontloading

With Trump’s inauguration on the horizon, a whopping 78% of shippers are scrambling to expedite cargo shipments to the U.S., fearing new tariffs—especially from China. This rush to frontload is a direct reflection of the uncertainty looming over trade policies. Businesses are clearly trying to dodge potential price hikes and supply chain hiccups.

ILA-USMX Contract Ratification Delayed

The tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) is pending ratification. If the deal is rejected, we could see some serious disruptions at East and Gulf Coast ports, driving shippers to rethink their routes. The ratification process is a big deal for keeping things running smoothly and avoiding costly delays.

Dunkin’ in Hot Water Over Doughnut Shortages

Dunkin’ is facing a 4% shortage of doughnuts due to a supplier issue, leaving many locations temporarily out of stock. This highlights just how fragile food supply chains can be. Customers are not happy, and it shows how vital solid supplier relationships and backup plans are in the food biz.

California Withdraws Clean Truck Waiver Request

In a bold move ahead of Trump’s inauguration, California has pulled its request for a waiver from the EPA on clean truck regulations. This raises eyebrows about future environmental policies. The withdrawal could complicate the state’s green initiatives, creating headaches for companies focused on sustainable logistics.

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Egg Supply

The U.S. is grappling with a significant egg shortage due to a bird flu outbreak that has wiped out over 20 million egg-laying chickens, causing prices to jump nearly 39%. This situation showcases how vulnerable food supply chains are to health crises. Increased costs are hitting consumers and businesses alike, underscoring the need for robust disease management and resilient supply chains.

Polestar Delays Profitability Amid EV Competition

Polestar is pushing back its profitability timeline due to rising competition and waning demand in the EV market. This has led to a shift in production locations to dodge tariff impacts. The challenges faced by the company reflect the broader trends within the EV industry, where competition and regulatory changes are constant hurdles.

S&P Global Forecasts Trade Growth

S&P Global is forecasting a 2.6% growth in global trade in 2025, with container shipping up by 1.5%. But watch out—ongoing labor strikes and volatile rates are expected to add some bumps in the road. This forecast is a mixed bag, with potential growth but also a need for flexible supply chain strategies.

ABB Acquires Energy Management Platform Lumin

ABB is acquiring Lumin, a provider of residential energy management, tapping into the rising demand for smart home tech in North America. This acquisition is a smart move in the direction of energy efficiency and sustainability in supply chain operations.

Hyundai Wins Clean Transport Award

Hyundai Motor America snagged the Clean Transport Award at the Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA for its advancements in hydrogen mobility and clean logistics solutions. This win is a nod to Hyundai’s commitment to sustainable transportation as they continue to innovate and reduce emissions.

Crossdock Deep Dive: U.S. Interest in Greenland

This week’s Crossdock Deep Dive is all about the U.S.’ growing interest in Greenland for its natural resources and the Arctic shipping route. As global warming opens new shipping lanes, Greenland’s significance is on the rise, reflecting larger geopolitical trends that are reshaping supply chains.

Summary

This week has been a whirlwind, showcasing just how interconnected and fast-moving global supply chains can be. With tariff worries, environmental policies, health crises, and tech advancements all in the mix, the landscape is as complex as ever. Adaptability is key for navigating these waters and ensuring long-term resilience.

The author does not own or have any interest in the securities discussed in the article.