Welcome to the latest edition of The Risk Savvy Report, your go-to source for insights on global supply chain trends. In this issue, we cover significant developments from February 4 to 21, 2025, across various sectors, including automotive, trade, labor, technology, and environmental concerns.
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Global Trade & Tariff Implications
Donald Trump tariff bombshell sparks crisis UK union talks over escalation fears
Recent tariff announcements have led to urgent discussions among UK unions, concerned about potential escalations and their effects on workers.
European Union fires back at Trump’s tariff threat with strong warning and plans for countermeasures
In response to U.S. tariff threats, the EU has issued warnings and is preparing countermeasures to protect its economic interests.
Economists, including Peter Schiff, warn that proposed tariffs could lead to job losses and increased consumer prices in sectors like automotive and housing.
Upcoming contract votes for East Coast dockworkers are overshadowed by concerns that new tariffs could impose additional hardships on laborers.
Tariff fears help Port of Long Beach containers to best start on record
Despite uncertainties, the Port of Long Beach reports record container volumes, partly driven by companies expediting shipments ahead of potential tariff implementations.
Global Shipping Giant Maersk Warns of Cargo Delays at Mombasa Port
Maersk has alerted clients to possible cargo delays at Kenya’s Mombasa Port, citing operational challenges and advising on contingency plans.
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Automotive Industry Challenges
Ford CEO says factory jobs “at risk” if Trump repeals EV credits
Ford’s CEO has expressed concerns that potential policy changes regarding electric vehicle credits could jeopardize factory employment.
Tariffs, Strikes Could Deeply Impact International Auto Industry
The global automotive sector faces potential disruptions due to proposed tariffs and ongoing labor strikes, which could affect production and supply chains.
Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Disastrous for Industry, says Unifor President
The president of Unifor has criticized the administration’s tariffs on steel and aluminum, highlighting their negative impact on the industry.
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Corporate & Labor Relations
Nikola files Chapter 11 bankruptcy; former hydrogen-hype darling seeks sale
Electric vehicle manufacturer Nikola has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is seeking potential buyers for its assets.
Fears of MORE tax hikes as economists warn on Labour’s spending plans
Economists express concerns that proposed spending plans could lead to additional tax increases, affecting businesses and consumers alike.
Justice Department moves to drop SpaceX hiring discrimination lawsuit
The DOJ is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring practices by SpaceX, a move that could have broader implications for employment law.
Japan semiconductor makers looking to Vietnam amid labor shortage at home
Facing domestic labor shortages, Japanese semiconductor companies are exploring production opportunities in Vietnam to meet demand.
IBM return-to-office scheme is reportedly targeting older workers
Reports suggest that IBM’s return-to-office policies may disproportionately affect older employees, raising concerns about potential age discrimination.
Unpaid wages: IT firm in Singapore under fire, says MoM
A Singapore-based IT company faces scrutiny from the Ministry of Manpower over allegations of unpaid wages to its employees.
Trump nominee pledges fair safety investigations into Tesla at U.S. Transportation Department
A nominee for the U.S. Transportation Department has committed to impartial safety investigations into Tesla’s operations and practices.
Unions seek to rescind mass firings by Trump administration
Labor unions are challenging widespread dismissals enacted by the previous administration, aiming to reinstate affected workers.
In response to tariff threats, the United Steelworkers union advocates for the use of Canadian materials in national infrastructure projects to support local industries.
Technological & Ethical Considerations
UK use of predictive policing is racist and should be banned, says Amnesty
Amnesty International has criticized the UK’s implementation of predictive policing technologies, calling for their ban due to alleged racial biases.
The AI-fication of Jobs — Preparing Ourselves for the Future of Work
As artificial intelligence increasingly integrates into various industries, there is a pressing need to prepare the workforce for the evolving employment landscape.
China’s 2024 labour unrest: Surging worker strikes amid censorship and economic strain
China has experienced a rise in labor strikes, attributed to economic pressures and restrictive information policies, affecting both domestic and international businesses.
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Environmental & Health Concerns
As crews clean up from LA wildfires, some residents are furious over hazardous waste
Cleanup operations following Los Angeles wildfires have led to resident outrage over the handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
Reports reveal health, environmental impacts from Northeast Philadelphia plane crash
Investigations into a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia have uncovered significant health and environmental consequences, prompting calls for comprehensive remediation efforts.
Businesses should prepare for climate disorder
Experts advise that companies proactively develop strategies to address potential disruptions caused by climate change, ensuring operational resilience.
Judge issues second decision upholding Biden ESG labor rule
A federal judge has reaffirmed the legality of an ESG-focused labor rule introduced by the Biden administration, emphasizing its alignment with current labor policies.
UN report: China expands forced labor in Xinjiang, Tibet
A United Nations report indicates an increase in forced labor practices in China’s Xinjiang and Tibet regions, raising international human rights concerns.
Major pay hikes sought again at start of labor negotiations
As labor negotiations commence, unions are advocating for substantial wage increases to address cost-of-living adjustments and income disparities.
Legal & Regulatory
Trump FCC threatens radio station for reporting on ICE raid, expanding assault on press freedom
Reports indicate that the FCC, under the Trump administration, has threatened a radio station over its coverage of an ICE raid, raising concerns about press freedom.
Switzerland Unfreezes $15M in Seized Assets of Russians Implicated in Magnitsky Case
The Swiss government has released $15 million in frozen assets linked to Russian individuals accused of human rights violations under the Magnitsky Act.
The Latest: Judge declines to block Musk and DOGE from accessing federal data or laying off workers
A court ruling has allowed Elon Musk and DOGE to proceed with accessing federal data and layoffs despite legal challenges.
Judge rules against labor unions, in favor of Trump in federal buyout case
A federal judge has sided with the Trump administration in a high-profile labor dispute, rejecting union efforts to overturn a controversial buyout plan.
Supply Chain & Transportation Disruptions
Maersk skips call at Rotterdam as labour issues bring delay
Labor disputes at European ports have forced global shipping giant Maersk to bypass Rotterdam, exacerbating supply chain bottlenecks.
Container Shipping Stocks Surge On Red Sea Disruptions
Rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Red Sea have led to a surge in container shipping stocks as companies navigate supply chain risks.
Labour minister says Canada is working to prevent U.S. tariffs on vehicles
Canada’s labor minister has confirmed ongoing negotiations aimed at preventing the implementation of U.S. tariffs on Canadian-manufactured vehicles.
Switzerland Aims to Sign Deal With European Union by Early 2026
Swiss officials are pushing to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement with the European Union within the next year, aiming to strengthen economic ties.
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We hope these insights have enhanced your understanding of supplier risk in the global supply chain, making you evermore risk savvy.
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