Supply Chain Diversification - Apple is expanding manufacturing in Vietnam to reduce dependence on China, focusing on smart home devices [1][2] - The company's supply chain is diversifying across Southeast Asia, including India (iPhones), Vietnam (Apple Watch, home devices, AirPods), and Thailand/Malaysia (Macs) [7] - Apple aims to maintain agility in its supply chain, shifting production between countries based on tariffs and geopolitical factors [13] Product Development & Strategy - Apple is developing new smart home devices, including a smart home port, a tabletop robot, and a security camera, primarily manufactured in Vietnam [2][3] - The company is working with BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, for mass manufacturing of these devices in Vietnam [4] - Apple intends to launch the home hub device in March/April 2026 [17] Geopolitical & Economic Factors - China production caters to China and regions outside the US, while India serves the US market, largely due to tariff considerations [6] - Tariffs have had a negligible impact on Apple so far, costing a few billion dollars, but 2026 is anticipated as a key year for tariff impact [14] - Apple carefully manages its relationship with the Chinese government by continuing to build products for China within China [10]

Ford will buy less lithium and delay taking shipments from Australian producer Liontown, the latest sign of strain in the EV supply chain https://t.co/AUgGPIDTZ9 ...

Industry Impact of Tariffs - The artificial Christmas business sources about 90% of its products from China historically [3][18] - Due to tariffs and other factors, the industry anticipates a shorter supply of Christmas goods and a slight increase in prices for consumers this year [10] - The CEO advises consumers to buy Christmas goods early, ahead of the Black Friday weekend, due to potential supply shortages and reduced promotions [10][11] - Tariffs have impacted affordability, with National Tree Company raising prices by about 10% on average [12][22] National Tree Company's Strategy - National Tree Company has diversified its supply chain, with approximately 55% of its trees and goods being manufactured outside of China this year [4] - Overall shipments for National Tree Company will be down about 25% this year [4][15] - The company is bringing in about 25% less product from its factory partners this year [15] - The company is splitting the impact of tariffs throughout the value chain, with suppliers and the company absorbing some costs, and some cost increases being passed on to consumers [24] - National Tree Company is not currently considering layoffs and is focused on efficient operations and automation [26][27] Advocacy and Future Outlook - The Christmas Trade Group, representing companies with about $1 billion in revenue and over 1,000 employees, is seeking tariff exemptions or exclusions from the administration [17][18] - Manufacturing trees in the US would be approximately 250% to 300% more expensive due to raw material imports and higher labor costs [20]

A new survey from KPMG shows America's top executives are focused on making their supply chain stronger. 89% of CEOs say tariffs will significantly impact their business over the next three years and 86% plan to raise prices to offset those costs. Joining us right now to break down the survey survey is KPMG US chair and CEO Tim Walsh.And Tim, thanks for coming in today to be with us in studio. It's good to see you. Great to be here, Becky.Um, I can't say this surprises me that supply chain is still the top ...

RT Agnieszka de Sousa 🍒 (@AggieDeSousa)This indispensable middleman of the chocolate world is navigating one of its stickiest patches. How it comes out of it will shape chocolate supplies and ultimately prices.Catch up on the Business of Food newsletter, via @MumbiGitauhttps://t.co/pQj67VCZbL ...

I think we want to put these big outsized moves for these different companies in in perspective. Um, do you see this as speculative or is this the time to invest in these kind of stocks because according to our notes here, you don't really see any of these reactors being up and running until 2027. Well, look, uh, Frank, it's going to take a long time to build them.But what we've seen from the Trump administration is an incredibly dynamic push towards nuclear, and we need it based on everything that's happen ...

Tariffs and Supply Chain - Tariffs serve an important purpose in addressing fragile supply chains exposed during COVID-19, particularly for essential goods [4] - The US has made progress in bringing key parts of the supply chain back, incentivizing domestic manufacturing of critical components like chips [5][6] - Government intervention, such as providing capital to stimulate economic growth, should ensure sovereign protection and secure supply chains [9][10] Corporate Response to Tariffs - Companies are facing a conundrum with rising input costs due to tariffs and limited ability to raise prices for consumers [12] - Corporations are adapting to tariffs by becoming more efficient and reducing human capital [14] - Revenue for companies in Q2 increased by just over 6%, while earnings per share (EPS) increased by 118% [16] Labor Market Dynamics - The job market is weak despite a good economy and strong earnings, as companies are downsizing to offset increased input costs [17][18] - Companies are leveraging AI and natural attrition (80,000+ people turning 65 weekly) to reduce headcount [19][21] - Downsizing explains the conundrum of a weak jobs market despite efforts to bring jobs back to the US [26] Future Economic Outlook - A rebirth in jobs and manufacturing is hoped for, contingent on lower interest rates and a restart in housing [27] - Capital expenditure (capex) will be spent over several years (2026-2030), primarily on equipment rather than labor [28][29]

Industrial Policy & Government Intervention - The speaker expresses reservations about government equity stakes in companies, preferring loan-based support similar to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation's approach [3][4] - The speaker contrasts current industrial policy with past practices, noting the oil industry's self-reliance during crises without government bailouts [4] - The speaker criticizes the concept of "too big to fail" banks, arguing it creates unfair competition for regional banks [5] Market & Economic Indicators - Gasoline sales are flat year-over-year, but prices are down 10-12%, suggesting reduced consumer driving [6][7] - Diesel sales are up 35% year-over-year, indicating strong commercial activity, potentially driven by onshoring [7] - The speaker suggests monitoring diesel sales in the third quarter to gauge the sustainability of the current economic activity [9] Retail & Consumer Behavior - The economy is K-shaped, with luxury shopping centers experiencing double-digit sales increases while middle-market retailers like Red Lobster struggle with flat sales and heavy discounting [10][11] - McDonald's price increases are encroaching on casual dining restaurants [11] - Consumers are trading down from higher-priced alcoholic beverages like margaritas to cheaper options like beer [14] - Consumers, especially younger demographics, are increasingly buying smaller quantities of alcohol for immediate consumption rather than larger quantities for later use [15][17]

Partnerships & Integrations - USDC, issued by regulated affiliates of Circle, is coming to XDC Network [1] - Cross-chain and supply chain functionalities are highlighted [1] - CCTP V2 is being integrated [1]

Good morning, Frank. Well, that's right. We are inside what's going to be one of the largest biologic drug factories in the US.Now, this right here, this is a bioreactor and this is used to produce monoconal antibodies. Each one holds up to 20,000 lers and just to give you a sense of how big these are. Each tank spans three floors and there will be 16 of them by the time the second phase opens in 2028.And so giving this whole capacity about the ability to produce about 50 million doses of medicine each year ...