Supply Chain Strategy - PepsiCo plans to review its North American supply chain [1] Negotiation with Activist Investor - PepsiCo is taking steps to wrap up negotiations with activist Elliott [1]

Industry Focus - The report highlights the application of Avalanche in supply chain management [1] Technology Application - Avalanche is powering the supply chain [1]

Global trade is going onchain.@blockticity and ASTM have introduced a new global trade standard to quickly verify tracking and authenticity of global supply chain, ASTM D8558.Powered by Avalanche🧵: https://t.co/GLeOAXLXDE ...

Boeing completed its complex acquisition of struggling US aerospace supplier Spirit AeroSystems, taking back a key part of its supply chain as it works to restore quality standards https://t.co/sLXO9riOUF ...

Port of Los Angeles Volume and Performance - Port of Los Angeles experienced a "roller coaster" year due to tariffs and trade discussions, with freight plummeting when hard policies were announced and recovering quickly when deadlines were extended [2] - The port anticipates its third-best year ever in 2025, handling approximately 1025 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) [2][3] - No other port in the nation has ever crossed the 10 million TEU mark, a feat Los Angeles has now achieved three times [3] - The port's high-water mark was in 2022 at 107 million container units, following the COVID surge and increased online buying [4] - During the peak season of the past summer, the port moved more cargo than at the peak of the COVID surge without any ships backed up [15] Trade and Manufacturing Shifts - The President's efforts to increase manufacturing in the United States could potentially shift the port's volume dynamics, potentially increasing export opportunities [4][5] - A sector-specific review is needed to determine which products to manufacture in the US, how to structure supply chains, and what labor force training is required [6][7] - China's share of the port's business has decreased from approximately 60% in 2018 to 40% currently, with a continued downward trend [8][9] - Companies are increasingly sourcing from Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand [9] - China is now exporting its manufacturing expertise to other countries, as outlined in their 15th 5-year plan [10] Infrastructure and Future Development - Significant progress has been made in infrastructure investment over the last four to five years, including new terminals, rail and road connectors, and inland facilities [13][14] - Further infrastructure investments are still needed, including raising a bridge, bringing more terminal capacity online, and improving rail infrastructure to expedite container evacuation [15]

Core Insights - The article highlights that most companies typically expand by entering adjacent markets, but SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) has not followed this conventional strategy [1] Company Summary - SMX has demonstrated a unique growth strategy that does not rely on the traditional playbook of drifting into adjacent markets [1]

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) 2025 Conference Summary Industry and Company Overview - **Company**: Eastman Chemical Company - **Industry**: Specialty Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Additives, Functional Products Key Points and Arguments Demand Environment - Demand is currently lighter than expected, particularly in Chemical Intermediates, with North American demand deteriorating due to commodity price pressures and prolonged turnaround times for large crackers [3][4][5] - Advanced Materials and Additives & Functional Products are expected to maintain earnings in line with previous forecasts despite overall lighter demand [3][4] Financial Performance - The company anticipates earnings for Q4 to be slightly below the previously communicated range of $0.75 to $1, primarily due to challenges in the Chemical Intermediates segment [5][6] - Cash flow is projected to approach $1 billion for 2025, supported by inventory management actions taken in Q3 [5][6] Inventory Management - Customers have not significantly built inventory, leading to a cautious approach in managing supply chains [7][8] - The company has made strategic decisions to manage inventory levels effectively, particularly in the fibers and specialty plastics businesses [8][9] Market Segments - Approximately 50% of Eastman's exposure is to discretionary markets, which typically yield higher margins [12] - The automotive sector is a significant focus, with Eastman positioned to benefit from higher-end automotive products due to increased glass usage and technology integration [15][17] Cost Management and Capital Expenditure - Eastman is on track to achieve $75 million in cost reductions for 2025 and an additional $100 million in 2026, focusing on operational efficiencies across the company [25][46] - Capital expenditures are expected to stabilize around $400 million, with potential increases if new projects are initiated [44][45] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about growth in the packaging sector, particularly in 2026, driven by mechanical recycling and innovative product offerings [22][39] - Eastman is strategically positioned to leverage its investments in digital technologies and supply chain transparency to enhance operational efficiency [9][10] Challenges and Risks - The company faces challenges from consumer demand fluctuations, particularly in discretionary segments, which may impact growth trajectories [38][40] - Ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, including interest rates and consumer affordability, could influence market conditions and demand recovery [18][20] Strategic Initiatives - Eastman is focusing on enhancing its circular economy initiatives, including the development of a methanolysis facility to support recycled content in packaging [32][33] - The company is committed to maintaining strong partnerships with customers to navigate current market challenges and capitalize on future growth opportunities [38][40] Additional Important Insights - The company has seen a shift in customer behavior, with a focus on maintaining existing relationships rather than expanding new product introductions in a challenging consumer environment [38] - Eastman is actively managing its supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in its textiles and fibers businesses [26][28][27] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Eastman Chemical Company conference, highlighting the current state of the company, its market segments, financial performance, and strategic initiatives moving forward.

The EU is set to unveil its grand plan to secure supplies of critical raw materials as it seeks to dilute dependence on China. https://t.co/ifrfvnFf8v ...

Chinese export controls are forcing European companies to rethink how they operate and piling on extra costs https://t.co/tMyTOnUy70 ...

The obscure metals were in the spotlight in 2025. In the coming year the West will need a new strategy to break its reliance on China https://t.co/WYtlESh9yw ...