Operations
Canada confirmed retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on US imports, effective Sept. 8, targeting steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, electronics, seafood, and pulp and paper. The move mirrors US Section 338 and 232 duties and includes a $7.5 billion support package for affected businesses.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs on Canadian imports, including a 50% levy on cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel, set to take effect Jan. 1. The announcement follows the collapse of trade negotiations last week, with Canada vowing retaliatory measures.
The U.S. and Canada failed to reach a deal on Friday, activating 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports. Canada suspended negotiations and will impose matching tariffs from Sept. 8, escalating trade tensions between the two North American economies.
President Donald Trump's aggressive use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose country-specific tariffs faces Supreme Court scrutiny next month. Two federal courts have ruled such actions illegal, prompting appeals. This article explores alternative legal tools—Sections 232, 301, 338, 201, and 122 of various trade acts—that Trump could deploy regardless of the Court's decision, with insights from trade attorneys on their viability and procedural requirements.
Square and rectangular packaging is becoming the norm in e-commerce, driven by automation, efficiency, and sustainability. Robots handle rigid shapes better, and densification reduces shipping costs. However, consumer backlash over format changes, like Tropicana's bottle redesign, highlights the need for clear communication. Experts predict continued reliance on square formats.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is leveraging RFID technology to improve visibility across its fully outsourced supply chain. After a successful pilot in Chicago, the company is rolling out RFID to all 3,500 restaurants by year-end. The technology aids in tracking inventory, improving traceability, and supporting limited-time offers like Chicken al Pastor. Additionally, Chipotle is enhancing its ERP system with Oracle and developing a supplier visibility project.
联合包裹（UPS）在疫情后需求回落及行业竞争加剧的背景下，持续缩减员工规模。截至2023年底，员工总数较2020年峰值减少约8%。2024年，公司计划再裁减12,000个岗位，主要集中在管理层和合同职位，预计带来10亿美元的成本节省。专家指出，UPS的裁员策略既是对市场需求的响应，也反映了其“更好而非更大”的战略导向及自动化转型的深化。
美国仓储业招聘热潮持续降温。劳工统计局初步数据显示，2023年12月仓储与存储业从业人数降至185万，为2021年11月以来最低。2024年，多家零售品牌、电商平台及第三方物流商已披露设施关闭与裁员计划，涉及员工超2800人。企业正从扩张转向效率优化，整合网络、转向新设施或门店履约模式。
With over 627,000 manufacturing jobs unfilled as of September, industry leaders are turning to a largely untapped talent pool: military veterans. Despite possessing leadership, logistics, and technical expertise, many veterans face underemployment and resume screening obstacles. Programs like Heroes MAKE America and veteran-focused recruiters are working to align military skills with manufacturing careers, offering a path to stable employment for transitioning service members.