North America

North America Supply Chain

B&G Foods’ Green Giant Canada sale blocked by regulator

Canada’s Competition Bureau has moved to block B&G Foods’ sale of its Green Giant and Le Sueur brands in Canada to Nortera Foods, warning the deal would harm competition in an already concentrated market. The regulator cited risks of higher prices and fewer choices for consumers. B&G announced the deal last October with an expected close in the second quarter of 2026. It previously sold U.S. Green Giant shelf-stable assets to Seneca Foods in November 2023 and Le Sueur U.S. shelf-stable assets to McCall Farms in August 2025. Robert Mills was named CEO last week, replacing Casey Keller, who had led the company since June 2021.

2026-08-21

Geopolitics

China Rejects US Tariff Report, Cites $150B Loss, 450K Jobs

China's Ministry of Commerce rejected a White House report accusing Chinese exporters of routing goods through Mexico to avoid U.S. tariffs, calling it a 'false narrative' rooted in protectionism. Spokesman He Yadong stated the report ignored facts and distorted reality, citing the U.S.'s own high tariffs — imposed after 2018 — as the real threat to global supply chains. The report's estimates of up to US$150 billion in lost output and 450,000 American jobs are presented as model-based illustrations, not proven outcomes. Mexico, named as a key transit hub, is reportedly preparing new curbs on Chinese products.

2026-08-21

AI & Automation

Supply Chain Fraud Theft Reaches $111M Amid Rising Sophistication

A newly exposed supply chain fraud scheme resulted in a confirmed $111 million loss, spanning 14 countries and operating from Q2 2023 through May 2026. Investigators identified 37 freight forwarders, 8 customs brokers, and 5 terminal operators involved in forging electronic bills of lading and exploiting verification gaps. The fraud was uncovered in March 2026 after discrepancies emerged across Los Angeles, Savannah, and Newark ports. In response, FIATA mandated blockchain validation for bills of lading effective 1 October 2026, while U.S. Customs launched Operation ChainGuard. Nineteen individuals face indictment as of 17 August 2026.

2026-08-20

AI & Automation

167 Logistics Firms Land on 2026 Inc. 5000 List

167 logistics and transportation companies earned spots on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list—the largest freight-sector representation ever. Their median three-year revenue growth hit 342%, far above the overall list’s 265%. Top performers include FreightCenter (1,289% growth) and TruckSmarter (947%). These firms operate across 47 U.S. states, manage 1,240+ facilities, and collectively raised $1.4 billion between 2023 and 2025. 113 deployed AI-powered freight tools, and 64% of new hires hold supply chain technology certifications.

2026-08-20

AI & Automation

Americold launches $80M Port Saint John cold chain hub

Americold has launched an $80 million temperature-controlled import-export hub at Port Saint John in New Brunswick — its sixth facility in Canada and the first to integrate DP World’s terminal operations, CPKC’s rail network, and Americold’s cold chain infrastructure. The facility supports 22,000 pallet positions and eliminates drayage by linking port, warehouse, and rail in one seamless flow. It follows $750 million in public and private investment at the port, including DP World’s $247 million West Side modernization that boosted annual capacity to 1 million TEUs. Container throughput reached 239,364 TEUs in 2025 — up 29.4% year-on-year and 175% since 2021. The hub serves transatlantic, South American, and potential Australian trade lanes, with Gemini Cooperation and Hapag-Lloyd–Maersk calling the port since February 2025.

2026-08-20

Europe Supply Chain

U.S. Pushes EU to Ease CSDDD, CBAM Rules Amid Trade Tensions

The U.S. is urging the EU to ease enforcement of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), citing risks to transatlantic trade. Ambassador Andrew Puzder stressed commitments made in Turnberry, Scotland, while EU officials reaffirm regulatory autonomy. CSDDD implementation begins in 2027, CBAM’s transitional phase started in October 2023, and full CBAM application launches in 2026. Over 4,000 non-EU firms fall under CSDDD’s scope, with penalties up to 5% of global turnover. Affected U.S. exports face estimated $220M in annual CBAM compliance costs.

2026-08-19

North America Supply Chain

Mexico weighs steel, auto tariffs on China amid USMCA talks

Mexico is assessing new anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel and vehicles amid USMCA renewal talks and weak domestic investment. Though no formal proposal exists, the economy ministry confirms ongoing consultations and case-by-case dumping investigations. Steel imports from China account for over 65% of Mexico’s total steel imports, and vehicle production reached 2.1 million units in 2023. The USMCA review period begins in 2026, and FDI fell 7.3% year-on-year in 2023. Supply chain teams face heightened uncertainty requiring agile cost modeling and customs intelligence.

2026-08-19

Strategy & Planning

Home Depot launches 2-hour delivery using 2,200 stores

Home Depot has launched a two-hour express delivery service powered by its network of 2,200 U.S. stores, transforming them into micro-fulfillment hubs. The initiative, rolled out in Q2 2026 and expanded to 47 states by August 2026, uses AI-driven routing and real-time inventory systems. It achieves 90% four-hour delivery and a targeted two-hour window in key metro areas. The model reallocates 12% of existing store labor, avoids net hiring, and cuts an estimated 22 million vehicle miles annually. Home Depot’s approach surpasses current industry norms, where only 14% of home improvement e-commerce orders are delivered same-day.

2026-08-19

Procurement

CMA CGM acquires FedEx Supply Chain in vertical logistics push

CMA CGM completed its acquisition of FedEx Supply Chain on July 1, 2026, marking a major shift toward vertically integrated logistics. The deal gives the Marseille-based carrier control over a North American warehousing and fulfillment network, while geopolitical tensions—such as Iran's potential Hormuz transit fees—and strategic reviews by Kuehne+Nagel's Apex unit add further uncertainty. Supply chain leaders are advised to review contracts, update routing contingencies, and diversify provider exposure.

2026-08-19

Procurement

Amazon plans 1M-square-foot Connecticut distribution hub

Amazon is set to build a 1 million-square-foot distribution center in Norwich, Connecticut. The facility is expected to serve as a first-mile hub for goods before they are sent to middle-mile sortation centers and eventually to last-mile delivery locations. The new site is part of Amazon's broader strategy to streamline its supply chain and improve delivery efficiency.

2026-08-19

Southeast Asia Supply Chain

Ho Chi Minh City exports rise $9.9B in 7 months

Ho Chi Minh City's import-export volume surged by 7.98% to 133.74 billion USD in the first seven months of 2026, driven by strong growth in electronics and machinery. Facing geopolitical headwinds and US tariff pressures, the city is accelerating logistics infrastructure reforms, including the establishment of the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone, to enhance supply chain resilience and diversify international markets.

2026-08-17

Strategy & Planning

Tighter customs rules cut China air cargo traffic

Tougher customs treatment of low-value airfreight shipments threatens to reverse some of the ecommerce sector’s rapid growth according to new analysis from Trade and Transport Group. Cross-border ecommerce accounted for almost 18% of intercontinental air cargo traffic last year despite representing only around 6% of global online sales.

2026-08-16