Global Scans · Manufacturing · Weekly Summary

• [New] Some industry groups and local officials are dissatisfied with EPA's new rules, questioning the economic burden placed on water systems and manufacturers and predicting that certain manufacturing industries will seek residence in countries with less stringent environmental protections. JD Supra
• [New] The Security Credential Management System will allow industry to design connected vehicles while following harmonized standards between Canada and the United States, and reduce manufacturing costs. Transport Canada
• [New] The Smart Technology Hub will be a new center of research, product development and production. Wartsila.com
• [New] The expansion of irrigated lands and increased rice productivity, facilitated by Japan-supported irrigation infrastructure, mitigated the risks of harvest failure due to droughts and floods. Taylor & Francis
• [New] Albanese points to the US Inflation Reduction Act which will direct US$ 400 billion ($605 billion) in federal funding to support clean energy and the US CHIPS Act which will direct $280 billion ($422 billion) in new funding to boost research and manufacturing of semiconductors. SmartCompany
• [New] ICE vehicles would remain dominant into the mid-2030s in South Africa, and, only once the cost of NEVs came down significantly, would manufacturers see more demand from consumers. Mining Weekly
• [New] While the economic impact of the Suez Canal disruptions from the Middle East conflict has been limited, sectors like automotive products, fertilizers, and retail have seen the effects of delays and higher freight costs. Mint
• [New] BMW has announced its intention to use Green Steel (from Swedish steel manufacturer, H2 Green Group) in its cars, aiming to reduce up to 95% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Hfw
• [New] U.S. electric demand is projected to increase considerably in coming years, with a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing alongside demand from new data centers, electric vehicles, and building electrification. Solar Power World
• [New] Toyota has announced an additional investment of $8 billion that it expects will add an estimated 3,000 more jobs to increase capacity to support battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles battery production in Greensboro, North Carolina. The White House
• [New] For Argentina, Dow Jones expects a production estimate of 50.2 mmt or 1.84 bb from USDA, still twice the size of last year's drought-afflicted crop. DTN Progressive Farmer
• [New] In South America, Dow Jones expects USDA to lower its production estimate for Brazil from 155.0 mmt to 151.7 mmt or 5.57 bb. DTN Progressive Farmer
• [New] For Brazil, USDA is expected to lower its estimate of corn production from 124.0 mmt to 122.1 mmt or 4.81 bb. DTN Progressive Farmer
• [New] In a breakdown of the predicted ¥1 quadrillion costs, the long-term economic impact caused by damage to roads, ports, and production facilities would be ¥954 trillion and damage to buildings and other property would be ¥47 trillion. Euro ES Euro
• [New] The tight supply situation for large-capacity HDD products will continue into this quarter and potentially extend throughout the year. TrendForce Insights
• [New] From a longer-term perspective, Vietnam's growth potential faces a confluence of structural challenges, including the slow development of a manufacturing ecosystem, a shortage of skilled labour, and rapid population ageing. https://vir.com.vn/
• [New] Turkey will impose restrictions on the export of products from 54 different categories to Israel until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza. The Guardian
• [New] In 2024, if all suitable lithium metal produced were used for batteries, it could support 5 to 10 gigawatt-hours of cell production. CarbonCredits.Com
• [New] Approved bodies play a critical role in the supply of medical devices, and expanding capacity will support manufacturers to bring their products to the UK faster. GOV.UK
• The overall global packaging production in 2020 reached 3.8 trillion units, and a further 2.3% annual growth rate is forecasted until the year 2025, with a significant growth expected in Asia and Africa. SAGE Journals
• Companies that want to be successful in the long-term should ensure they do not rely too heavily on unhealthy products and heed the growing consumer demand for healthier food, which will help deliver better health outcomes globally. ShareAction

Last updated: 14 April 2024