Tag Archives: Suppliers

Minimum wage hikes across China and impact

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek ( March 12,2012) describes minimum wage hikes of 9% in Beijing, 14% in Shenzhen and 35% in Henan. Given the Chinese system where minimum wage is a local decision, and local demand supply conditions demanding such … Continue reading

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Multiple suppliers for the new iPad’s components

An article in the Wall Street Journal (March 16,2012) describes a teardown of the new iPad – and shows multiple suppliers for memory chips and the high resolution display. Chips are provided by Qualcomm, Broadcom and Elpida, for example. Will … Continue reading

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Mexico auto exports to Brazil capped to settle a trade spat

An article in the Wall Street Journal (March 16,2012) describes Mexican auto exports growing to 20% of all imports into Brazil. Recent agreements between the countries have planned an auto import limit of $1.6 billion, down from the current $2.1 … Continue reading

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The supply chain impact of minimum wage increases in China, Vietnam and Indonesia

An article in the Wall Street Journal (March 14,2012) describes the impact of wage increases in China on Charming Shoppes, owner of the Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherine labels. In addition to wage increases, the company realized that 60% … Continue reading

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Sharp’s delivery delays and Samsung’s competitiveness with Apple

An article in the Wall Street Journal (March 14, 2012) describes delivery delays for Sharp’s LCD screens for the new iPad.  The new screens were planned to be higher resolution with lower energy consumption. This makes Apple depend on Samsung … Continue reading

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Refining capacity mismatch and gas price impact

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (March 5,2012) describes the East coast refining capacity as dependent on Nigerian oil, but the Midwest refineries process higher sulphur content, cheaper Texas crude. Nigerian oil prices fluctuate with MidEast crisis, and thus make East Coast … Continue reading

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Elpida bankruptcy and supply chain competitiveness

An article in the New York Times (Feb 29, 2012) describes the bankruptcy of Elpida, a Japanese DRAM chip manufacturer. Falling PC volumes, competition from South Korean manufacturers have caused prices to drop 85%. With the Japanese govt reluctant to … Continue reading

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GM, Peugeot Alliance

An article in the New York Times (Feb 29,2012) describes a decision by General Motors to invest in 7% of Peugeot, creating an alliance. The associated $125 billion spend of the two companies is expected to deliver synergies in the … Continue reading

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Fastenal’s variety competition

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Feb 27, 2012) describes the greatest growth compan since 1987 as Fastenal, a distributor of fasteners. Fastenal’s 10,261 pages of fasteners provides the greatest variety of fasteners, available at 2,600 outlets.  Does variety provide a distributor … Continue reading

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iPad Accessory makers and race to be ready for the new version

An article in USA Today (March 6, 2012) describes a race by accessory makers to be ready with products for the new iPad 3, debuting on March 7.  The market for iPad and iPhone accessories is estimated to be $ … Continue reading

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