OEM Insights ~ April 2

Supply Dynamics’ OEM Insights

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Take a look at this week's roundup of the most current and compelling industry news, updates, and trends related to OEMs and anything that impacts them. Read on to discover the latest in:

1. Industry: Factories Cut Output & Jobs During Pandemic Lockdown
   
2. National & Global Updates: Pandemic Widens Divide Between Businesses
3. Metal Trends: LME Copper Rises on China Data Amid Expected Decline 

Industry News 

• Factories Cut Output & Jobs as Coronavirus Lockdown Bites: In the U.S., the Institute for Supply Management said its manufacturing index fell to 49.1 in March from 50.1 in February. And factories across the U.S., Asia, and Europe have cut output and jobs at the fastest pace since the global financial crisis, a sign the global economy has entered a deep freeze as governments lock down their populations to contain the novel coronavirus and minimize mortality. (WSJ)
• Military Leaders Worry About Health of Commercial Airlines: The Pentagon will continue to use commercial airlines to evacuate Americans trapped overseas amid the coronavirus pandemic, in part to support a hard-hit industry that provides important military capability. (Defense One) 

• Expect Aircraft, Ship Plus-Ups from Congress: President Trump’s fiscal year 2021 defense budget proposal would reduce procurement of several major aviation and naval platforms, but lawmakers will likely reverse those cuts, analysts say. (National Defense)

National and Global Updates

• Pandemic Widens Divide Between Online and Traditional Businesses: The new coronavirus pandemic is deepening a national digital divide, amplifying gains for businesses that cater to customers online, while businesses reliant on more traditional models fight for survival. (WSJ)

• Florida Issues Statewide Limits as U.S. Coronavirus Cases Mount: With the tally of confirmed cases worldwide now passing 877,000, the U.S. now has more confirmed cases than any other country - more than 203,608 infections. Statewide stay-at-home orders now expand to Pennsylvania and Florida, leaving a dwindling number of states without such measures. (WSJ) 

Metal Trends & Market Analysis

• LME copper rises on China data, but set for worst month since 2011: London copper prices hit near a one-week high on Tuesday (3/31) as top consumer China surprisingly posted an expansion in its factory activities, but prices were set for the biggest monthly decline in eight-and-a-half years amid the fast-spreading coronavirus. (Reuters) 

About Supply Dynamics

Supply Dynamics provides leading Fortune 500 manufacturers with real-time visibility and control over the “material-input” requirements (metals, plastics, electronics, etc.) of their extended supply chain. Our innovative solutions allow our customers to reduce the cost of raw materials and component parts that go into their products, enhance collaboration with supply chain stakeholders, and ensure that the timely purchase and supply of material-inputs is never the reason a part is late. To learn more, visit www.supplydynamics.com.