October 10, 2011

SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY IS SEEN AS KEY TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Quick Manufacturing News
Large global manufacturers are setting their sights on top-line growth over the next two years, focusing on new products, strategic acquisitions and alliances, innovation and increasing production capacity in high-growth markets. Click to continue

WHOLESALE INVENTORIES INCREASED 0.4 PERCENT IN AUGUST.
Associated Press
"Wholesale businesses increased their stockpiles of autos, computer equipment and heavy machinery in August; boosting inventories for a 20th straight month as their sales rose at the fastest pace in five months. The combination of rising sales and inventories should be a good sign for future factory output."

SENATE AND HOUSE EXPECTED TO PASS THREE TRADE AGREEMENTS ON WEDNESDAY
The Hill Blog
The Hill carried a blog “On the Money” today where Erik Wasson writes that "careful maneuvering by President Obama, his pro-business chief of staff William Daley and trade representative Ron Kirk" mean Wednesday's votes in the House and Senate will likely approve trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea. The bills, stalled since 2007, have been reworked by Obama, who "renegotiated the automotive provisions in the Korea deal, and worked to improve Panama's labor and tax laws so these deals enjoy the most Democratic support." Still, the Colombia agreement is less popular, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has blocked it in the past. And, the AFL-CIO disapproves of all three agreements.

Super-Committee in Deadlock
Associated Press
Reports today from the AP claim, "the 12-member deficit-cutting panel established under last summer's budget and debt deal appears no closer to a breakthrough than when talks began last month." Panel members have not commented on their progress but "lawmakers, aides and lobbyists" are doubtful "that the panel will be able to meet its assigned goal of at least $1.2 trillion in deficit savings over the next 10 years."