Tag Archives: exports

Export US gas or keep it to reduce energy costs at home

An article in the Wall Street Journal (May 31, 2012) describes a US decision to hold exports of natural gas, whose generation capacity has grown rapidly. Countries like Japan want to use liquified US gas in the future to replace … Continue reading

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The deceptive global supply chain for Mercury

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (May 28, 2012) describes the demand for mercury in Colombia, to extract small gold deposits, the lethal impact of vapors and errant disposal, and the global supply chain for its supply. Mercury exports were banned by … Continue reading

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Harmonizing trade regulations and supply chain impact

In an article in the Wall Street Journal (May 1,2012) Cass Sunstein, administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, describes steps taken by the US government to harmonize regulations across countries to reduce costs. Examples cited … Continue reading

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The “Swissness” of watches made in Switzerland

An article in the New York Times (April 28, 2012) describes plans to change the current “Swiss-made” labeling requiring 50 % of the value of movement to be made in Switzerland, with new 80% requirement. Swiass watches account for 3 … Continue reading

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The global garbage supply chain

An essay in the Wall Street Journal (April 18,2012) describes computers as the top export from China to the US, and garbage as America’s greatest export to China. With Americans generating 7 lbs of garbage per person per day, New … Continue reading

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China’s export mix and target region shifts and global impact

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (April 9,2012) describes a shift in China’s exports towards heavy machinery, cars and ships from shoes, consumer electronics and clothing. Inland locations with abundant labor, targeted government loans and a focus on emerging markets like Brazil … Continue reading

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Boeing, Delta disagree regarding global supply chain impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (March 16,2012) describes an attempt by Delta to cut the extent of loans provided by the US government financed Export-Import bank to Boeing’s potential customers. While these loans help Boeing grow its exports, … Continue reading

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US low manufacturing wages and global supply chain impact

 An article in the Wall Street Journal (March 17,2012) describes manufacturing wage rates in Indiana of $12/hour with no unions in Muncie, IN, compared to twice that rate in Caterpillar’s Canadian plant. The impact – closure of the Canadian plant … Continue reading

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Coal, barges and the global supply chain

An article in Fortune (Dec 26,2011) describes the US barge industry, with each barge having a capacity 15 to 17 times a railcar and more than 60 times a truck, using less fuel per mile and thus lower emissions and … Continue reading

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Toyota’s Supply Chain and Currency and Global Risk Impact

An article in the New York Times (Dec 9, 2011) describes Toyota’s announcement of a 54 % profit drop due to the appreciation of the yen and the floods in Thailand. The strong yen affects Toyota more than other automakers … Continue reading

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