The need to know
The need to know for the week starting 10th March 2025
The key supply chain stories from Reuters’ global network of journalists
The United States is planning to charge fees for docking at U.S. ports on any ship that is part of a fleet that includes Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged vessels and will push allies to act similarly or face retaliation, a draft executive order stated.
US, Canadian farmers face soaring fertilizer prices amid Trump trade war
With only weeks until spring planting on both sides of the border gets underway, Canadian and U.S. farmers, already facing low grain prices, are bracing for another economic blow: even bigger fertilizer bills amid a North American trade war.
Global rubber shortfall looms in 2025 on stagnant output, association says
Global natural rubber production is expected to fall short of consumption for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, as higher prices fail to encourage tapping in major producing countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, a senior industry official said.
Trump hails $20 billion investment by shipping firm CMA CGM
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said French-based shipping firm CMA CGM would invest $20 billion in the United States to build out shipping logistics and terminals
Trump's shipbuilding plan could upend ocean cargo industry, companies warn
President Donald Trump's plan to revitalize the U.S. shipping industry could heap massive costs on ocean transport operators and spawn a new round of supply chain chaos around the world, executives told Reuters.
US reciprocal tariffs will impose one rate per country, White House adviser says
President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs planned for April 2 will impose one rate for each country that will reflect tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed on the U.S., White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told CNBC in an interview on Friday.
Trump will splinter world’s 'China plus one' plans
Donald Trump, once more, is moving to slash imports from China.
Mexican companies hold back U.S.-bound exports, hoping for tariff reversal
The flow of Mexican goods exported to the United States has slowed as companies anxiously hold back stock and wait to see if U.S. President Donald Trump might reverse his decision to implement 25% tariffs on Mexico this week.
Brazil's coffee stockpiles dwindle as prices hit record highs
In a Brazilian coffee warehouse usually stuffed with a quarter of a million bags of the aromatic bean, voices echo in the largely empty space at a large producers' cooperative.
Chinese rapeseed meal, oil contracts surge after 100% tariffs on Canadian imports
Zhengzhou rapeseed meal and oil contracts jumped on Monday, the first day of trade since China decided to impose 100% tariffs on imports of those products from Canada.
Europe should diversify drug supplies to face health crises, ministers say
Europe should reduce its dependence on a small number of countries for vital drug supplies such as antibiotics and anaesthetics to boost the bloc's preparedness for future health crises, a group of ministers has recommended.
Canada commits over C$6 billion to fight impact of US tariffs, find new markets
Canada on Friday unveiled billions of dollars in aid and other forms of support to businesses and people expected to be directly affected by U.S. tariffs.
Tariff deadline set off spike in cross-border trucking rates, data shows
Rates for cross-border trucking to and from the U.S. jumped in the lead up to President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as companies scrambled to accelerate shipments ahead of an expected increase in costs.
Tanker, cargo ship collide off UK coast causing blaze and casualties
A chemical tanker and container ship collided off the northeastern coast of England on Monday causing a huge fire on at least one of the vessels and leading to numerous casualties.
Europe will struggle to slip US economic chokehold
Over the past two decades, the United States has become highly skilled at waging economic warfare.
China's commodity imports limp into 2025 amid economic, trade concerns
China's imports of major commodities got off to a weak start in 2025, continuing the recent softening trend amid concern over growth momentum in the world's second-biggest economy.
Shoppers turn to smaller food brands, cutting into Unilever, P&G profits
Big Food's worst nightmare is unfolding across U.S. supermarket aisles.
FedEx suspends freight services to Saudi Arabia from select countries
FedEx (FDX.N) has suspended economy parcel and freight services to Saudi Arabia from select countries effective immediately, the company said on Monday, without giving a reason for the suspension.
China hits back at Canada with fresh agriculture tariffs
China announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products on Saturday, retaliating against levies Ottawa introduced in October and opening a new front in a trade war largely driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
‘Merz spurt’ will see Europe CEOs rethink US pivot
Not so long ago, European corporate bosses were worried about missing out on the “Trump bump”.
Sony, Suntory build U.S. stockpiles as Japan faces Trump tariff threat
Japanese electronics giant Sony and drinks maker Suntory are stockpiling inventory in the United States while their peers shift production or supply chains in efforts to fend off an evolving threat of U.S. tariffs on the export-reliant economy.
Asian countries in the crosshairs of Trump's tariffs
As U.S. President Donald Trump's new trade tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada kick off, sparking another trade war, countries in Asia's complex and integrated global supply chain are in the crosshairs.
Europe Inc take evasive action as Trump tariffs hit, braces for second wave
European companies, from Swiss chocolatiers to German car parts makers, are preparing their "plan Bs" to adapt to U.S. trade tariffs that became a blunt reality on Tuesday, with a second barrage specifically targeting the region expected next month.
How a key ingredient in Coca-Cola, M&M's is smuggled from war-torn Sudan
Gum arabic, a vital ingredient used in everything from Coca-Cola (KO.N) to M&M's sweets, is increasingly being trafficked from rebel-held areas of war-torn Sudan, traders and industry sources say, complicating Western companies' efforts to insulate their supply chains from the conflict.
VW may avoid 25% Trump tariff, but BMW and others face trade levy
Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) said on Thursday that its vehicles made in North America will likely avoid being subject to the 25% tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed on imports from Mexico and Canada, but other carmakers, including BMW, may not be exempt.
EU to promote company EVs with end to tax breaks for fossil fuel corporate cars
The European Commission aims to accelerate demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in corporate fleets with an emphasis on ending tax breaks for petrol or diesel-powered company cars, according to a draft paper to be published on Wednesday.
EU earmarks 1.8 bln euros for battery raw materials supply chain
The European Union will make 1.8 billion euros ($1.92 billion)available to help secure supply chains for battery raw materials, the EU Commission said on Wednesday.
German postal giant DHL cuts 8,000 jobs, biggest domestic cull in decades
Germany's DHL (DHLn.DE) plans to cut 8,000 jobs in Germany this year, the biggest staff reduction programme in its home market in at least two decades, responding to falling letter volumes as well as what it says is overly strict regulation.
German union, DHL agree to 5% wage increase for postal workers
German trade union Verdi and logistics company DHL (DHLn.DE), which runs the national postal service, said on Tuesday they have reached a wage deal that will see workers' salaries increase by 5% over two stages by next year.
EU regulators to decide on $15.4 billion DSV, Schenker deal by April 8
EU antitrust regulators will decide whether to clear Danish logistics company DSV's (DSV.CO) 14.3 billion euro ($15.43 billion) acquisition of German rival Schenker by April 8, according to a filing on the European Commission website.
Weak freight volumes weigh on Kuehne+Nagel's earnings
Kuehne und Nagel (KNIN.S) reported a 31% jump in its fourth quarter operating profit on Tuesday, but missed market expectations as its business volumes lagged the broader logistics market.
Lindt to supply chocolate to Canada from Europe to sidestep tariff hit
Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli (LISN.S) will supply chocolate to Canada made in Europe to avoid Canadian tariffs imposed to counter the higher U.S. customs duties imposed by President Donald Trump.
Supply chain software firm Logility receives unsolicited bid for $15 per share
AI-powered software maker Logility Supply Chain Solutions (LGTY.O) said on Friday it had received an unsolicited proposal to acquire all of its outstanding shares for $15 a piece.
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Soufflet Malt partners with Heineken on $108 million South African factory
Soufflet Malt and Heineken (HEIN.AS) have entered into a commercial partnership in which the French grain group will invest 100 million euros ($108.51 million) to build a new malting factory in South Africa to supply malt to the Dutch brewer.
Tesla to build new megafactory in Texas, Electrek reports
Tesla (TSLA.O) is going to build a new megafactory near Houston to operate a battery storage facility, Electrek reported on Wednesday, citing a tax abatement agreement with Waller County in Texas.
Chipmaker TSMC's CEO says US investment driven by customer demand
Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC (2330.TW) is expanding investment in the United States because of large U.S. customer demand, its CEO said on Thursday, adding that its production lines there are already fully booked for this year and the next two years.
BYD considers third plant in Europe, to decide in next two years, Automobilwoche reports
Chinese EV giant BYD (002594.SZ) is considering building a third plant in Europe and will decide in 1-1/2 to two years whether to do so, its executive vice-president Stella Li said in an interview with German publication Automobilwoche published on Monday.
MercadoLibre plans $3.4 billion Mexico investment in 2025
MEXICO CITY, March 7 (Reuters) - Latin American e-commerce giant MercadoLibre (MELI.O) will invest $3.4 billion in Mexico this year, focusing on its tech product and financial services, an executive from the firm said on Friday.
US labor market seen holding steady ahead of tariffs turbulence
U.S. job growth likely picked up in February, with the unemployment rate expected to hold steady at 4.0%, but growing uncertainty over trade policy and deep federal government spending cuts could erode the labor market's resilience in the months ahead.
US to hold hearing on China's efforts to boost semiconductor industry
The U.S. Trade Representative's Office will hold a hearing on Tuesday into older Chinese-made "legacy" semiconductors that could heap more U.S. tariffs on chips from China that power everyday goods from autos to washing machines to telecoms gear.
Mexico aims to boost compliant exports to 90% after U.S. tariff reprieve
Mexico expects to significantly boost the number of compliant companies exporting to the U.S. under a regional trade pact in coming weeks, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Friday, after Washington paused tariffs on Mexican shipments entering under the agreement.
Trump delays tariffs for goods under Mexico, Canada trade deal
U.S. President Donald Trump suspended on Thursday tariffs of 25% he had imposed this week on most goods from Canada and Mexico, the latest twist in a fluctuating trade policy that has whipsawed markets and fanned worries about inflation and growth.
Panama to request legal, financial documents on CK Hutchison-BlackRock port deal
The Panama Maritime Authority, which oversees shipping and port infrastructure in the country, will request all legal and financial documents from a key transaction between CK Hutchison (0001.HK) and a consortium backed by BlackRock (BLK.N) , minister to presidency Juan Carlos Orillac said on Friday.
Zalando says differs from other online platforms, EU tech rules should not apply
Zalando (ZALG.DE), Europe's biggest online fashion retailer, on Thursday criticised EU tech regulators for lumping it in the same group as Amazon (AMZN.O) and AliExpress, saying it should not be subject to as stringent provisions of the bloc's tech rules as the other two companies.
China's JD.com tops revenue estimate on robust demand, government stimulus lift
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com (9618.HK) posted its strongest revenue growth in 11 quarters on Thursday, as deep discounts and government subsidies encouraged customers to spend more, driving up strong year-end sales.
Fast-delivery companies Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto face India antitrust case over discounts
Indian consumer products distributors have filed an antitrust case against big fast-delivery businesses of Zomato, Swiggy and Zepto, calling for an investigation into alleged deep discounting practices, legal papers show.
Kroger forecasts upbeat annual sales, expects some tariff impact
Kroger (KR.N) said on Thursday it expects some impact on its fresh business amid escalating trade wars, even as the U.S. grocer forecast annual sales above Wall Street expectations.
Poor retail sales data highlight euro zone's consumption slump
Euro zone retail sales unexpectedly dipped in January, adding to signs that a long-predicted consumption-led recovery is not yet on the horizon, fresh data from Eurostat showed on Thursday.
Trump and TSMC announce $100 billion plan to build five new US factories
Taiwan semiconductor company TSMC plans to make a fresh $100 billion investment in the United States that involves building five additional chip facilities there in coming years, its CEO announced with President Donald Trump on Monday.
How companies are responding to Trump's tariffs
Corporate America is scrambling to implement countermeasures as President Donald Trump's latest tariffs on Chinese imports went into effect earlier this week, while some levies on Canada and Mexico have been suspended.
World food prices rose in February on back of sugar rush, UN's FAO says
Global food commodity prices rose in February, driven by higher sugar, dairy, and vegetable oil prices, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations said on Friday.
China announces plans for steel output cuts to help restructure industry
China will restructure its giant steel industry through output cuts, although it did not announce any target in its most recent intervention to address overcapacity in the sector, which is sparking world trade frictions.
Exclusive: US mulls plan to disrupt Iran's oil by halting vessels at sea
President Donald Trump's administration is considering a plan to stop and inspect Iranian oil tankers at sea under an international accord aimed at countering the spread of weapons of mass destruction, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Target braces for first-quarter profit pressure due to tariffs, low demand
Target (TGT.N) warned on Tuesday that uncertainty around tariffs would weigh on the retailer's profit in the first quarter and doubled down on sourcing more of its products from countries including Guatemala.
Ford to inject up to $4.8 billion to shore up cash-strapped German unit
Ford (F.N) will inject up to 4.4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) into its struggling German operations as it tries to revive its European business, the U.S. carmaker said on Monday.
South Korea factory output falls in January, investment drops
South Korea's factory output fell in January, while corporate investment also dropped, government data showed on Tuesday, in another sign of growing uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their ripple effects across the global supply chain.
Dutch chipmaker AxeleraAI gets $66 million EU grant
AxeleraAI, one of Europe's few companies making computer chips for artificial intelligence, has been awarded a grant of up to 61.6 million euros ($66 million) to develop a chip for use in data centres, as part of EU efforts to boost the sector.