How the US is leveraging its spending power to strengthen manufacturing supply chains

Procurement tactics like creating demand signals and convening key industry players are critical tools in the government's playbook, a White House advisor told Supply Chain Dive.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 28, 2023

EV sales are rising. So why are automakers nervous?

Slower sales growth, lower prices and growing inventories have spooked EV manufacturers, leading some to reconsider their plans and finances.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 17, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Manufacturing Dive

Check out five of our biggest stories of 2024 so far, including how manufacturers are navigating rising costs and boosting workforce innovation. 

By Manufacturing Dive staff

Volvo acquires Proterra’s EV battery business

The automaker purchased the electric bus maker's battery segment three months after the startup declared bankruptcy.

By Joelle Anselmo • Nov. 15, 2023

Exxon to mine lithium in Arkansas for EVs

The oil giant aims to supply the mineral to more than one million vehicles a year by 2030.

By Kate Magill • Nov. 14, 2023

Chocolate contains ‘concerning’ amounts of lead and cadmium, Consumer Reports finds

The nonprofit found troublesome amounts of the heavy metals in 16 out of 48 products tested and called out Hershey to take action.

By Christopher Doering • Nov. 10, 2023

EPA considers reevaluating vinyl chloride, as PVC remains common in certain packaging

Spurred in part by the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, environmental groups are urging the agency to review the chemical’s safety. 

By April Reese • Nov. 9, 2023

Milk producers sour over carton shortage

Dairy suppliers and others cite packaging manufacturer Pactiv Evergreen as the supply problem’s source. Competing producers are trying to fill the gap.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 8, 2023

Why Inflation Reduction Act subsidies should differentiate between critical mineral mining and process

While the U.S. is limited in its domestic mining abilities for critical minerals like lithium and graphite, it has the potential for increased processing capacity.

By John DeMaio • Nov. 7, 2023

Work stops at $500M US-backed battery plant

Owner Li-Cycle Holdings paused construction at the Rochester, New York, hub due to escalating costs and is reviewing its future plans.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 31, 2023

Sugar shortage isn’t causing spike in Halloween candy prices: Wells Fargo analyst

Despite constrained global supplies, experts don’t believe it will affect U.S. confection manufacturers ahead of the holidays.

By Chris Casey • Oct. 25, 2023

China moves to limit exports of graphite

The move against the critical mineral came days after the Biden administration restricted semiconductor exports to the country.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 24, 2023

The US, South Korea and Japan are piloting a supply chain warning system. What does that mean?

As the U.S. looks to counter China’s dominance in critical mineral supply and processing, it’s leveraging alliances to better share data and resources.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 23, 2023

Auto suppliers struggled financially for years. Then came the strikes.

Industry suppliers had risky financial scores and profitability indicators prior to the labor disruption, according to RapidRatings.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 19, 2023

Google to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India

The tech giant will start with production of the Pixel 8 as it competes for market share against Apple and Samsung.

By Joelle Anselmo • Oct. 19, 2023

BMW secures new battery material supplier in Canada

A new partnership with Umicore and added South Carolina production are scaling the automaker's EV supply chain strategy.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 18, 2023

EPA opens $100M grants for building material makers

The funding, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to help decarbonize the industry and increase manufacturers’ emissions disclosures.

By Sara Samora • Oct. 16, 2023

How the UAW strike is impacting supplier operations

The ongoing strike is causing some down-tier manufacturers to hold inventory, while others may see cash flow delays.

By Kelly Stroh • Oct. 10, 2023

LG Energy Solution invests $3B in US battery manufacturing expansion

The extra capacity will help the battery maker supply Toyota with lithium batteries in a new supply deal. 

By Kate Magill • Oct. 10, 2023

New Balance will discontinue its use of kangaroo by the end of 2024

The athleticwear manufacturer joins Nike and Puma, both of whom pledged earlier this year to curb their use of the animal skin.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 10, 2023

Manufacturing remains in a trough, but signs of relief are showing: PMI

Companies are shifting from layoffs to attrition and hiring freezes to manage headcount, as companies note greater optimism for future growth in the industry.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 2, 2023

Auto supplier BorgWarner warns of potential impact if UAW strike expands

For now the manufacturer expects modest effects as a handful of plants at the Big Three automakers stand idle. But that could worsen if workers at other plants strike.

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 26, 2023

More than 300 Apple manufacturers have commited to clean energy

The device maker also released its first carbon-neutral devices as it closes on its goal of dramatically cutting emissions in its supply chain.

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 22, 2023

Samsung Biologics and Bristol Myers Squibb expand partnership

The $241 million agreement includes large-scale production of an antibody cancer drug substance at the contract drug maker’s largest South Korea facility.

By Kate Magill • Sept. 22, 2023

GlobalFoundries and Defense Department sign $3.1B chip supply deal

The agreement is part of the Biden administration's push to increase national security in semiconductor manufacturing.

By Kate Magill • Sept. 21, 2023

Mercedes-Benz strikes deal for US-made steel with Steel Dynamics

The steelmaker will provide more than 50,000 metric tons of the material a year to the automaker. 

By Kate Magill • Sept. 19, 2023