Monthly Archives: December 2012

Strike threat hangs over US ports

The threat of strikes by the International Longshoremen’s Association looked set to lead to the closure of key US ports in the run up to the busiest retail period in the year.

While a tentative agreement over royalty payments for workers has be…

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Marine insurance premiums dealt further blow by Sandy

According to a report in the Financial Times, the cost to marine insurers of securing financial protection from reinsurers against catastrophes is set to jump by as much as a quarter.

Though the losses from Sandy are estimated to account for less tha…

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IT directors predict spending increase

Some 48 per cent of senior IT professionals expect their budgets to rise in 2013, with the extra money to be spent on applications and infrastructure.

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South America and China top travel destination wish-list

The Guild of Travel Management Companies has identified the top 10 destinations business travellers believe would increase economic growth.

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Supply chain academic Richard Wilding recognised in New Year Honours

Professor Richard Wilding said he was “surprised, thrilled and humbled” to have been awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year Honours list.

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NZ companies ignore supply threats

Only 23 per cent of businesses in New Zealand rate their level of risk management as high, according to a survey by CIPS Australasia and Grant Thornton.

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Contract workers rights regulations tighten in China

The amended law, which takes effect on July 1, 2013, is effectively closing a loophole which affected the conditions of about a third of the workforce at Chinese and multinational factories in China.

“Hiring via labour contracting agents should be ar…

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Iron ore prices climb 60% after September slump

Prices of iron ore tumbled to a three-year low in the autumn, before rallying 60% since then on mounting confidence that China, the world’s biggest importer of the ore, would be experiencing an accelerated growth in 2013.

Trade to China is expe…

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CFOs plan international expansion in 2013

Greater confidence in the UK economy means finance directors will prioritise revenue generation strategies rather than cost reduction programmes next year.

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Tesco establishes India sourcing arm

The move is designed to trim costs for the world’s third largest retailer and develop local sourcing expertise in preparation for opening stories in India, according to a report in the Economic Times.

“Fruits, marine, rice would be a few o…

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