New Obstacles Emerge For Small Businesses Two Years After COVID Struck (yahoo.com)

Small business battled and overcame Covid challenges and the ongoing supply chain disruptions. Now it's increasing interest rates that drive up inventory carrying costs and impact consumer spending, and a worker shortage. Recent legislation includes increased regulation and tax increases including IRS audits of middle income earners.   

UK’s Biggest Container Port To Be Hit By Eight Days of Strikes (gcaptain.com)

The union and the port have not agreed on the rate of pay increase.  A port strike would add to the supply disruptions from the rail worker walkouts and staffing shortages for airlines.  Re-routed freight will inflict potential increased costs for cargo owners. 

West to East Cargo Shift Causing Most Ships to Arrive Late at East Coast Ports (gcaptain.com)

Cargo is shifting to East Coast ports but ships are still parked outside port limits waiting to berth for nearly 10 days. Shanghai to New York rates are still near $10K per box.   Demand is changing. A West Coast port strike is still a possibility until the PMA contract is signed.  EMTC follows Transportation issues.  Contact us if you have questions 

Supply-chain pressures—which drove inflation during the pandemic—are once again trying to tell us something (msn.com)

The New York Fed believes that supply chain pressures are easing. Maersk sees fourth quarter as the start to a return to "normalcy.  

As East Coast ports take more share of China trade, expect more bottlenecks for supply chain (msn.com)

The wait time in Savannah is 13 days. The wait time in Los Angeles is 6 days. China wait time is 1 day.   Automation is one of the sticking points in West Coast labor negotiations.  

The Details of Shopify's Massive Q2 2022 Loss - Practical Ecommerce

Shopify released on July 27 disappointing second-quarter financial results, announced a 10% staff reduction and permanent remote work for most of its employees.   

China Retaliates Against Taiwan After Pelosi Visit: What It Means For Semiconductors, Other Key Sectors (msn.com)

China has imposed commercial sanctions on Taiwan following Speaker Pelosi's visit.  The sanctions may affect global supply chains, particularly semiconductor dependent products.   EMTC commented on teh USTR proposal for trade with Taiwan.  You can read our comments.  

Recent economic data have been the Fed's 'worst nightmare,' economist says (msn.com)

Yahoo Finance provides a perspective on the recent economic data being released.  EMTC seeks to provide multiple sources of information to help small businesses develop strategies for their businesses. 

CBO Director Discusses Inflation, Interest Costs, New Reconciliation Proposal, and America’s Unsustainable Debt (pgpf.org)

CBO is scoring the recent legislative proposals and the current economic environment .  Thanks to the Peterson Foundation for this article and information

Senate passes Chips and Science Act, a 'historic' investment in U.S. innovation and tech – GeekWire

This 1,000 page bill authorizes $250Billion of spending of which $50Billion is for chip production.  Another significant portion is for STEM research and education.  Note that it authorizes a supply chain database.  EMTC members will be receiving more information and analysis on the contents of this bill.