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Companies like Traeger, Yeti, Fortune Brands Innovations, Crown Crafts, and e.l.f. Beauty are preparing their supply chains for potential higher tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. Strategies include expanding production in countries beyond China, passing on duties via higher prices, and diversifying manufacturing options. Each company is taking unique measures to mitigate the impact of tariffs, with some focusing on price adjustments and others on expanding manufacturing footprints outside of China. The approach to managing tariff risks varies among these companies, reflecting the complexity and diversity of supply chain strategies in response to political risks. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden-Harris administration plans to overhaul the de minimis exemption before the next president takes office, according to former White House supply chain official Tim Manning. The administration aims to limit the types of products that can be shipped duty-free under the exemption, potentially affecting companies relying on low-cost shipping between the U.S. and China. The process involves issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, followed by a comment period and final rule implementation, with the possibility of Congress passing de minimis reform legislation to expedite the changes. [Extracted from the article]

The upcoming U.S. presidential election will have significant implications for AI regulation, with Vice President Kamala Harris planning to build upon the Biden administration's decisions and former President Donald Trump aiming to repeal existing AI executive orders. Businesses are concerned about the potential impact of new regulations on their operations, with uncertainty surrounding the specifics of future AI governance. Experts predict that a Trump administration may lead to lighter regulation and increased investment in AI startups, while a Harris administration could focus on regulatory oversight and addressing AI safety and deployment issues. Despite differences in approach, both candidates emphasize the importance of the U.S. leading in AI policy. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have outlined their strategies for U.S. manufacturing in speeches this week. Trump emphasized tariff hikes, corporate tax cuts, and the creation of a "manufacturing ambassador" to attract foreign companies to build factories in the U.S. He also promised to expedite environmental approvals and impose tariffs on imported cars. Harris, on the other hand, focused on expanding clean energy, advanced technology manufacturing, and workforce development. She pledged to invest in biomanufacturing, aerospace, and clean energy production, as well as remove regulatory barriers and promote tax reform. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a new diagnostic tool called SCALE to assess supply chain risks. The tool compares risks and root causes across industries to inform government decision-making and identify industries and products that are most at risk. The tool could have helped predict the shortage of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. While not available to the public, the Commerce Department plans to share findings with industry stakeholders and other government entities. The administration is also working on mitigating supply chain risks through data sharing and collaboration with the IPEF Supply Chain Council. [Extracted from the article]

US regulators have announced a plan to ban certain connected vehicles with hardware or software linked to China or Russia in order to tighten oversight over automotive supply chains. The proposed rule would only apply to on-road vehicles like cars, trucks, and buses. The ban would focus on technologies that could potentially allow foreign entities to extract sensitive data or remotely operate vehicles. Automakers will have several years to alter their supply chains to comply with the rule, and exceptions can be requested. The Department of Commerce is seeking comments on the proposed rule before finalizing it. [Extracted from the article]

The White House is proposing to limit the use of the de minimis exemption for China-founded e-commerce platforms Shein and Temu, which would raise import duties for these companies and potentially lead to price hikes for consumers. However, industry observers believe that Shein and Temu can navigate these changes without much trouble due to their expanded and diversified supply chains. Smaller businesses that rely on direct-to-consumer shipping from China may face more challenges in adjusting their supply chains and classifying their products under the proposed changes. [Extracted from the article]

Canada's major rail carriers, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National, have recovered from a recent work stoppage and their operations are back to normal. The work stoppage, which lasted less than a day, was resolved through government intervention and binding arbitration. While the rail carriers have resumed operations, there are still some challenges to fully normalize bulk freight, such as coal. However, both companies are optimistic about the future and are focused on winning back lost business and ensuring no further service disruptions. [Extracted from the article]

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has finalized plans to increase tariffs on goods made in China, with the first hikes set to go into effect on September 27. The tariff increases target strategic product categories such as electric vehicles, batteries, critical minerals, semiconductors, and solar cells. The Biden administration's plan includes a 100% tariff on electric vehicles, a 25% tariff on lithium-ion EV batteries, and a 50% tariff on photovoltaic solar cells. The updated structure also includes increased tariff rates for medical supplies, such as face masks and medical gloves. The final plan provides relief for ship-to-shore cranes and reduces the number of allowed exclusions for solar manufacturing equipment. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference's challenge to a government-imposed binding arbitration order that ended a recent lockout of union workers and restored operations for Canada's major rail carriers. Topics include the union's claims of inadequate procedural fairness and unreasonable interpretation of labor codes by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the impact of the arbitration on collective bargaining rights.

The article focuses on the significant increase in package volumes from e-commerce companies Temu and Shein, which has provided a boost to parcel carriers like UPS. It highlights how these companies' reliance on the "de minimis" exemption for low-cost shipping has led to a surge in deliveries, impacting carrier networks positively. It is noted that the parcel carriers are banking on these companies to adapt to any future changes, given the critical role they play in the delivery market.

The article focuses on the challenges Canadian rail carriers Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) face in recovering from a recent work stoppage and associated shipping embargoes. It highlights that the resumption of operations will be slow, with experts predicting it could take weeks or even months for the railroads to fully address the freight backlog and resume normal operations.

The article focuses on Newell Brands accelerating its shift away from Chinese production to mitigate the impact of potential Section 301 tariff increases. Topics include the company's strategy to reduce its China-based manufacturing from 15 present to under 10 present, its decision to only engage with suppliers that have manufacturing plans outside of China, and its broader global manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and Mexico.

The article reports that a lockout of union workers has led to the suspension of Canada's two major rail carriers, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. Topics include the impact on supply chains, the failed labor negotiations, and the challenges faced by U.S. rail connections due to Canadian freight embargoes.

The article focuses on the looming rail strike and lockouts in Canada, which are set to commence on Thursday, threatening significant disruptions across the country. Topics include the anticipated effects on national supply chains, the ongoing disputes between labor unions and rail companies over contract negotiations, and the Canadian government's efforts to mediate and prevent widespread economic fallout.

The article presents the discussion on significant role of the de minimis exemption in cross-border e-commerce, allowing companies to import goods under $800 duty-free, which benefits e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein. Topics include exemption's impact on cost savings and inventory management, its historical evolution; and potential regulatory changes due to concerns over foreign influence and contraband.

A recent report from the International Energy Agency reveals that the surge in investment in battery material production has led to a short-term inventory glut and a decline in critical mineral prices. The oversupply has caused battery prices to fall by 14% and lithium spot prices to plummet by 75%. While this may benefit consumers, it poses challenges for producers globally and exposes supply chains to various risks. China remains the dominant player in the critical minerals industry, controlling 85% of global battery cell production capacity. The report emphasizes the need for alternative battery chemistries, recycling initiatives, and diversified production to meet future demand and mitigate supply concentration risks. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration has announced an increase in tariffs on key goods made in China, including electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and solar cells. The move is aimed at protecting U.S. manufacturers from China's trade practices and covers $18 billion worth of imports in clean energy and technology sectors. The U.S. Trade Representative will increase tariffs on Chinese-produced EVs to 100% this year, up from 25%, and the tariff rate for semiconductors, solar cells, and other products will also increase. The Biden administration is pushing for companies to bring supply chains for critical minerals closer to home and out of China. China's Ministry of Commerce has criticized the tariffs and threatened to take measures to defend its rights and interests. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden has called on the U.S. Trade Representative to consider tripling tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports. However, the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) believes that this proposal does not go far enough to protect the U.S. metal can industry, which is threatened by Chinese steel and aluminum finished products. The Aluminum Association, on the other hand, supports Biden's move to raise tariffs on Chinese imports of aluminum and steel, citing China's unfair trade activities and state subsidies. The CMI estimates that at least half of can plant workers are union workers, emphasizing the need for action to protect U.S. union jobs in the metal can and canned food industry. [Extracted from the article]

Fashion executives are emphasizing the need for diversification in sourcing amid geopolitical risks. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the volatility in both demand and supply chains, but now the focus has shifted to geopolitical factors. The industry has been reducing its reliance on China as a manufacturing base due to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While tensions between the US and China remain a concern, experts believe the likelihood of direct military confrontation is low. Agility and flexibility are crucial skills for sourcing teams in an ever-changing world, and finding alternative production centers such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka is becoming more important. However, decoupling from China is challenging due to its economic and manufacturing dominance. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Commerce is launching an investigation into connected vehicle supply chains with links to China to assess potential risks to national security and personal privacy. The Biden administration has expressed concern about China's involvement in designing, manufacturing, and supplying materials for connected vehicles, citing the potential for espionage and sabotage. The investigation will involve stakeholders submitting comments on topics such as defining transactions integral to connected vehicles, addressing national security risks, and creating exceptions to certain transaction bans. President Biden has also criticized China's attempts to dominate the automotive market and restrict the use of foreign vehicles in China. [Extracted from the article]