This week in provide chain and logistics information started with the Trump administration imposing a 50% tariff on all U.S. imports of copper. Moreover, Trump ordered a Part 301 investigation into Brazil, which permits the U.S. to take motion in opposition to nations that violate commerce agreements. Infios and S&S Activewear had been awarded the “Prime Provide Chain Venture Winner” for his or her collaboration on warehouse automation and robotics. Lastly, Mark Morgan, an government at Kinaxis, mentioned Provide Orchestration to mitigate the impacts of tariffs.
Listed here are the largest tales of the week:
U.S. Locations a 50% Tariff on Copper Imports
The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on copper imports beginning August 1, 2025, following a nationwide safety evaluation. President Donald Trump introduced the choice, which follows a Part 232 investigation into copper imports. This investigation assessed home demand, manufacturing, and the influence of imports on nationwide safety. The brand new tariffs are anticipated to extend prices for imported metals, contributing to cost-push inflation. Main copper exporters to the U.S. embrace Chile and Canada, which collectively provided over $10 billion price of copper in 2024. This transfer mirrors earlier tariffs on metal imports below related investigations.
Trump Orders Part 301 Investigation on Brazil
President Donald Trump introduced a Part 301 investigation into Brazil because of its digital commerce insurance policies, which allegedly prohibit U.S.-based social media platforms. He additionally declared a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports beginning August 1, 2025. This transfer is a part of a broader technique involving reciprocal tariffs on a number of nations, together with Japan and South Korea. Brazil, beforehand going through a ten% baseline tariff, will now see elevated tariffs, particularly on metal imports. Moreover, Trump threatened a ten% tariff on nations aligned with BRICS. A Part 301 investigation is a instrument utilized by america Commerce Consultant (USTR) to handle unfair commerce practices by overseas nations. Licensed below the Commerce Act of 1974, it permits the U.S. to take motion, together with imposing tariffs, in opposition to nations that violate commerce agreements or have interaction in unjustified, unreasonable, or discriminatory practices that burden U.S. commerce.
Honda Launches Quadricycle-based City Cargo Supply Enterprise
Honda has launched a brand new enterprise unit referred to as **Fastport**, which goals to revolutionize last-mile supply in city areas utilizing electrical quadricycles. These modular autos, designed for bike lanes, will probably be produced in Ohio and have swappable batteries, proximity sensors, and different security options. Fastport’s “fleet-as-a-service” mannequin contains not simply the autos but in addition your entire help ecosystem, together with upkeep and software program. Honda is focusing on parcel and meals supply markets in North America and Europe, with plans to collaborate with main logistics firms for pilot applications. This initiative is a part of Honda’s broader technique to cut back emissions and visitors congestion in cities.
Infios and S&S Activewear Named a 2025 “Prime Provide Chain Venture Winner”
S&S Activewear has revolutionized its provide chain by implementing Autonomous Cellular Robots (AMRs) and modernizing 200,000 sq. ft of warehouse house. This transformation has drastically decreased worker coaching time from 90 days to only 20 minutes and elevated productiveness fivefold, attaining 200 picks per hour with out extra headcount. The modern strategy has additionally led to a 75% drop in worker turnover and a 275% enhance in accuracy. These developments earned S&S Activewear the 2025 “Prime Provide Chain Tasks” Award from Provide and Demand Chain Govt, showcasing their dedication to empowering workers and scaling operations by way of cutting-edge automation.
Tariffs Are the New Regular: Boardrooms are Lastly Demanding a Pivot to Actual-Time Provide Chain Orchestration
In at present’s unstable setting, the place disruptions like tariffs, labor strikes, and geopolitical instability are widespread, I acknowledge the essential want for real-time provide chain orchestration. By leveraging AI-powered orchestration platforms, I could make sooner, extra knowledgeable selections by simulating eventualities and evaluating trade-offs in actual time. This shift from reactive to proactive administration helps me defend margins and preserve agility. I perceive that resilience is now a boardroom crucial, and I’m investing in AI to show disruptions into aggressive benefits.
