Global Supply Chain Review: September

The seasons are changing, and the world of supply chain is shifting and evolving along with them. Here, a sampling of the past month’s events around which our industry has revolved – and likely will as the year makes its way toward close.

 

U.S.: Cross-selling is the name of the game, at least where Wells Fargo is concerned.  In the wake of scandal surrounding the bank’s practice of opening fraudulent accounts in customers’ names, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf has faced hearings and fines. How will this discovery affect Wells Fargo’s long term future—and will it shake consumer confidence in big banks more widely?

 

Canada: While the presidential campaign of its southern neighbor has raised questions about isolationism versus globalism, Prime Minister Trudeau asserts that Canada will remain stoutly globalist, and will increase its stake in global markets.

 

U.K.: It’s no surprise that Brexit continues looming large—and as the U.K. works on its departure from the E.U., Ireland continues its struggle against accusations of its illegal tax breaks to Apple. This month, the Irish Cabinet has appealed the ruling. No decision has yet been made, but once one is, it will have implications for the sovereignty of one group versus the other.

 

E.U.: Disruptive technologies always spread, and drones are a key example. Case in point—drones fly overhead worldwide, pushing consumer groups and governments into heated dialogue about their use. This month, the E.U. has developed policies to put drone registration in line with aviation requirements.

 

Mexico: As the buzz word of sustainability continues shaping the year in supply chain, Mexico is doubling down on its efforts to increase renewable energy. This month, purchase contracts were awarded for 8.9 million megawatt hours a year of electricity from mostly solar and wind generating plants—equivalent to about 3% of Mexico’s current electricity use.

 

Brazil: The nation’s political and economic struggles have been well-publicized, and now that the afterglow of the Olympics has faded, Brazil is back in the news for its troubles. The release of the World Economics Global Competitiveness Report has revealed that corruption has set Brazil back, damaging its competitiveness in the global market.

 

China: The Wanda Group may be the film leader in China, but it continues seeking global opportunities to expand and spread its influence. Despite a failed bid for U.S. based Paramount this month, the group continues its push to make alliances (and films) with companies including Sony.

 

Syria: Air strikes and blockades against humanitarian vehicles continue. Supply chain thought leaders consider the possibilities that disruptive technologies, such as drones, could provide aid.

 

Israel: Despite tensions between the leaders of Israel and the U.S., this month’s military aid contract was affirmed. In addition to gaining military materials from its ally to the tune of over $3.8 billion per annum, Israel gains the ability to change the region’s geopolitics. Why does this matter?

 

___________________________

Interested in joining the conversation? Share your ideas on the most important supply chain news on Twitter.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply