Welcome to this week’s Sourcing Spotlight.

In this week’s edition, we will be looking at the latest announcements from Trump over the tariff with a few more updates on agreements.

Also looking at how Foxxcon and Apple are struggling with manufacturing in India as China puts restrictions on technology and Rare Earth Elements.

Plus how cargo theft has become more advanced and how using AI could tackle it.

Feature Story

Negotiations in High Gear as Trump Pushes Tariff Deadline to 1 August

This week’s Sourcing Spotlight dives into the latest chapter of the Trump administration’s evolving tariff agenda. New trade agreements with Japan at 15%, the Philippines at 19% and Indonesia have introduced revised tariff structures and investment pledges, while negotiations with India and the EU face major roadblocks ahead of the August 1 deadline. Meanwhile, over a dozen countries are bracing for fresh tariff hikes, and high-level talks with China resume in an effort to extend the current tariff truce.

Curious how these changes could impact your sourcing strategy, margins, or supplier planning for Q4?

China’s Rare Earth Grip Exposes Fragility in India’s Electronics Ambitions

Foxconn’s AirPods plant in India is facing production delays, not due to labour or logistics, but a dysprosium shortage and an exodus of Chinese engineers. This week’s Sourcing Spotlight breaks down how China’s grip on rare earths is quietly reshaping India’s manufacturing future.

Outpaced by Criminals? The Race to Secure Supply Chains With Tech

Cargo theft isn’t what it used to be, it’s smarter, faster, and far more organised. From forged digital identities to insider-assisted heists, criminals are outpacing outdated supply chain defences. This article explores how blockchain, IoT, and AI are becoming critical tools to safeguard goods in transit and stay one step ahead.

Archived Articles

DISCOVER OUR PREVIOUS ARTICLES….

From new AI concepts that could benefit you, to new technologies and strategies to navigate the current global economy. Read through for impactful resources to help you become proactive in your business.

NAVER’s new bridge round fuels Techtaka’s AI‐powered U.S. fulfilment push, slashing 3PL costs, boosting 2‐day delivery and opening margins for small brands.

How Lucid and GM are rewriting supply chain strategy by locking in domestic EV materials, and what every small business can learn from their proactive supplier risk management moves.

Shopify is quietly transforming e-commerce with AI-powered tools that make it easier for small businesses to launch, scale, and compete. Here’s how it’s changing the game.

That’s it for this weeks Sourcing Spotlight.

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Until next time,

Quiet sourcing. Loud impact.

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