Pulse – Daily Brief: July 18, 2025
Curated Supply Chain news & insights
A typical Consensus Forecasting meeting…
Summary of key Supply Chain events yesterday
• Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in talks to merge, potentially creating a transcontinental railroad across North America. [marketwatch.com]
• Lufthansa Cargo became the first airline to join Silicon Saxony, strengthening Europe's semiconductor supply chain. [cargofacts.com]
• Geely Auto and Jameel Motors signed a distribution agreement to bring new energy vehicles to the Italian market. [automotivelogistics.media]
• President Trump announced upcoming reciprocal duty rates for additional trade partners, impacting global logistics and trade flows. [flexport.com]
• China may block the sale of global port terminals to U.S.-based BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Company, affecting international shipping interests. [freightwaves.com]
Today's top 10 Supply Chain News Stories
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern discuss merger to create transcontinental railroad
marketwatch.com
Topic: Rail Freight | July 18, 2025
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in talks to merge, potentially forming North America’s first true coast-to-coast railroad, which could significantly impact freight connectivity and competition across the U.S.
Healthcare: Shortages, Tariffs, and Tech | SupplyChainBrain
supplychainbrain.com
Topic: Healthcare Logistics | July 18, 2025
Healthcare supply chains are facing rising tariffs, global instability, and drug shortages, prompting hospitals to adopt more resilient and tech-driven operational strategies.
Lufthansa Cargo joins tech network to grow semiconductor supply chain
cargofacts.com
Topic: Semiconductor Logistics | July 18, 2025
Lufthansa Cargo becomes the first airline to join Silicon Saxony, aiming to strengthen air cargo solutions for Europe’s growing semiconductor sector amid rising chip demand.
ITS: amidst uncertainty, U.S. ports are running at normal levels - DC Velocity
dcvelocity.com
Topic: Port Operations | July 18, 2025
Despite global uncertainties, most major U.S. ports are operating at standard capacity, though smaller ports are experiencing strain from increased project freight imports.
Logistics occupiers intend to launch more space requirements over the next 12 months ... - CBRE
cbre.co.uk
Topic: Warehouse Expansion | July 17, 2025
CBRE reports that 96% of logistics occupiers across Europe plan to expand or maintain their warehouse space over the coming year, signaling robust demand for logistics real estate.
China could block sale of port terminals: Report - FreightWaves
freightwaves.com
Topic: Port Ownership | July 17, 2025
China may intervene to prevent the sale of key global port terminals to U.S. and European investors, raising concerns over control of critical maritime infrastructure.
Amid uncertainty, sliding Asia-US container rates are a sure thing - FreightWaves
freightwaves.com
Topic: Container Shipping Rates | July 17, 2025
Asia–U.S. and Asia–Mediterranean container rates continue to decline, reflecting shifting demand and market adaptation by carriers, with implications for shippers’ cost planning.
Majority of freight companies rely on third-party carriers amid driver shortage | AJOT.COM
ajot.com
Topic: Driver Shortages | July 17, 2025
More than half of freight companies are turning to third-party carriers to address ongoing driver shortages, impacting service levels and operational flexibility.
Walmart dishes on its supply chain tactics - HBS Dealer
hbsdealer.com
Topic: Retail Logistics | July 18, 2025
Walmart is leveraging predictive warehouse and transportation management systems to improve supply chain coordination and efficiency, setting a benchmark for large-scale retailers.
TSMC Races to Meet Soaring Chip Demand as Profits Surge | SupplyChainBrain
supplychainbrain.com
Topic: Semiconductor Supply | July 18, 2025
TSMC is ramping up production to address surging global chip demand, while major investments in U.S. semiconductor supply chains signal ongoing shifts in electronics manufacturing.