Monthly Archives: March 2013

The impact of sequestration on US supply chains

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (March 11, 2013) describes the impact of the US government sequester on food and transport. Food inspector cutbacks means that meat, poultry and egg processors may have to cut back operations as the inspectors are required … Continue reading

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Mexican tomato floor prices increased to please US growers

An article in the New York Times (February 4,2013) describes an agreement between the US and Mexico to raise prices for imported Mexican tomatoes by up to twice its earlier levels. The new agreement was demanded by Florida growers to … Continue reading

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Can “Droptags” reduce damage processing costs ?

An article in the SupplyChainDigest(http://www.scdigest.com/ontarget/13-02-13-1.php?cid=672) describes a Droptag – a device developed by Cambridge Consultants consisting of a battery, bluetooth transmitter, accelerometer and memory chip to monitor whether packages have been dropped or mishandled. Upon delivery, the customer could detect … Continue reading

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The impact of a US-Europe free trade agreement on auto supply chains

An article in the New York Times (March 7, 2013) describes the possible impact of a US-Europe free trade agreement on automobile production. Executives at BMW and Mercedes claim that they would manufacture cars in the US and ship them … Continue reading

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Will local supply solve the horsemeat contamination problem?

An article in the Financial Times (March 3,2013) describes a decision by Tesco, a UK retailer, to increase use of local sources, starting with chicken and working towards others. Similarly,Carrefour, a French retailer, claimed it would shift to French sources. … Continue reading

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“Kumbh Mela” logistics challenges in Allahabad, India

An article in the Financial Times (March 3,2013) describes the challenges faced by authorities in Allahabad, India, during the Kumbh Mela, a pilgrimage spot for 80 to 100 million Hindus who arrive over two months, from January to mid March … Continue reading

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Is exporting shale gas in the US national interest ?

In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal (February 25,2013) , Andrew Livieres, CEO of Dow Chemical, suggests that permitting exports of shale gas, currently in abundant supply in the US, is not in the national interest. He argues … Continue reading

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Federal labeling standards for GMO foods ?

An article in the New York Times (January 31,2013) describes a move by food manufacturers and retailers like Wal-Mart to urge the FDA to propose labeling standards for food. Their reason, proposed state level labeling initiatives by 20 states. In … Continue reading

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The impact of a US-Europe free trade agreement on supply chains

An article in the New York Times (February 13,2013) describes President Obama’s plan for a free trade agreement with Europe thus impacting the 3% duty on the $646 billion in trade. But more than duties, it is the harmonization of … Continue reading

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Is “Punk” the fashion trend ?

An article in the Financial Times (March 3,2013) describes the influence of the announcement of the “Punk” theme for the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute’s exhibition. Jimmy Choo’s handcuff bag with key, Cesare Casadei’s blade heeled shoe, Versace’s “Vunk” featuring heavy … Continue reading

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