OEM Insights ~ January 9

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 News: US Manufacturing Activity Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade
2. Trade War & Global Relations: Trade Signing Set For Jan. 15; China Silent
3. Metal Trends & Market Analysis: Iron Ore Futures Rise on Firm Demand

Industry News

• US Manufacturing Activity Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade: The US manufacturing activity fell to the lowest level in more than a decade, as the sector was hurt by weakening demand and last year's global economic slowdown. The Institute for Supply Management said Friday (1/3) that its manufacturing index dropped to 47.2 in December, from 48.1 in November. (Charlotte Observer)

• The Future of the Supply Chain - What Does It Hold for 2020?: The supply chain industry is in a period of transformation. Supply Chain Digital takes a closer look at three of the biggest trends that are set to shake up the industry in 2020. (Supply Chain Digital) 

Trade War & Global Relations 

• Trump Budget Coming Feb. 10—Here’s What You Can Expect: The Trump administration plans to submit its fiscal 2021 budget request to Congress Feb. 10, with defense spending expected to be flat as compared to the previous year. The budget is expected to continue the department’s focus on implementing the National Defense Strategy, which prioritizes challenging China and Russia.(Defense News)

• Trump Says Trade Signing Set For Jan. 15; China Silent: President Trump says he will sign the Phase One Trade Deal on Jan. 15. China has yet to confirm this date. Learn more about what's included in the deal (and what's still missing) here. (Bloomberg)

Metal Trends & Market Analysis

• China Iron Ore Futures Rise on Firm Demand: Iron ore futures in China extended gains on Monday (1/6), rising for the fourth straight session, as a higher weekly utilization rate pointed to firm demand for the steel-making ingredient. (Reuters) 

• Base Metal Prices Hold Up Well Despite Flare-Up in US-Iran Tensions: Most of the base metals traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange ended the morning trading session on Wednesday (1/8) in positive territory, despite tensions in the Middle East flaring again after Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two bases in Iraq that house US troops. (Metal Bulletin) 

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.