A. Duie Pyle has opened its first logistics and warehousing center in Gastonia, North Carolina, covering 186,000 square feet to meet the needs of local manufacturing. This center has created 20 job opportunities, with an anticipated additional 15 jobs by the end of the year.
The US is proposing a 25% tariff on imported trucks, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. However, this move could lead to increased costs, impacting the logistics and transportation industry, and potentially triggering trade friction. Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns and are closely monitoring the policy's subsequent developments.
Tim Hotze, Senior Vice President of Target, shared the company's supply chain strategies at the SMC3 Connections conference, addressing uncertainties in global trade and tariffs. His insights included diversifying global sourcing, adopting flexible manufacturing strategies, and integrating transportation planning with product design, highlighting how to maintain competitiveness amidst changes.
Safran plans to invest 450 million euros to establish a carbon brake manufacturing plant near Lyon, France, expected to be operational by 2030. The plant will initially employ 100 people and will utilize low-carbon electricity to achieve zero emissions. It is anticipated that by 2037, production could increase by 25%.
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South Africa's economy shows signs of recovery in 2026, driven by manufacturing rebound, rising commodity prices, and controlled inflation. Enhanced cooperation within the 'Global South' diversifies risks, but structural challenges persist, including government debt and state-owned enterprise reform. Sustained recovery hinges on deepening reforms, transforming positive momentum into durable development.
The African air cargo market faces challenges such as trade barriers and geopolitical conflicts. However, industry leaders suggest measures like resource integration, manufacturing development, and the construction of secondary airports to enhance market growth potential and efficiency. The trade relationship between Africa and East Asia has shown strong growth, indicating significant future development opportunities.
In May 2025, international air cargo demand grew by 2.2% year-on-year, demonstrating the industry's resilience. Despite a contraction in global manufacturing and the impact of U.S. tariff policies on certain regions, the Asia-Pacific region experienced the fastest growth in cargo demand at 8.3%. Additionally, falling oil prices provided relief for the airlines.
The launch of the A350F injects new momentum into the air cargo market. Using in-depth feedback collected during the pandemic, Airbus optimized its design to meet market demands, aiming to achieve the best balance between cargo capacity and payload. Additionally, plans are in place to enhance production capacity through the integration of manufacturing facilities.
Out-of-box goods refer to standalone items that cannot be transported using standard containers. Although the transportation process is relatively complex, this method is particularly crucial for specific goods such as construction equipment and manufacturing materials. Understanding the characteristics of out-of-box goods can help companies enhance efficiency and safety in logistics.
