International Economics: IB Economics

This IMF clip is a bit basic - in looking at what a supply chain is. However, given the current supply-side issues, it's worth a look if you are relatively new to the subject. 

The ongoing computer chip shortage might teach the car industry some important lessons about the fragility of global supply chains, according to Daimler chariman, Ola Källenius. He may have a point. 

Another insight into the ongoing problems with computer chip delivery, with Vauxhall's boss saying the shortage is going to have an impact for at least the next two to three months, and this will have implications for the speed of the global recovery, not least in the car industry.

I've not mentioned this for a while but a global semi-conductor continues to dog the car industry, especially in East Asia, as well as causing a decline in production in other sectors too. 

The extent to which the car industry is likely to be damaged by the coronavirus outbreak is laid bare in this Guardian article which suggests that the industry shutdown is going to cost in excess of $100bn.

The Guardian with a handy article that summarises the impact of the US withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal for a range of sectors, notably oil, aviation and the car industry.

Spoiler alert: not good.

Continued supply chain issues in South East Asia too, with Toyota suspending production in some of its Japanese plants, as a result of the reappearance of COVID and ongoing issues elsewhere. 

At least it's not just the UK economy that's suffering from a shortage of semi-conductors. The news that GM is to idle 8 American plants implies that the global economy as a whole is suffering, which is a worry. 

This BBC clip looks at the impact of the global chip shortage on the world economy, with bottlenecks in different sectors and impacts for firms and individuals. 

The end of an era: Ford is to close its last three factories in Brazil, with 5,000 workers expected to lose their jobs, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and low demand.

Expect a negative regional multiplier in those areas where the plants are located. 

It is difficult to know where to start with the latest trade news coming from the US - this time President Trump is considering protectionist measures for the car industry. On 'national security' grounds.

Yes, you read that correctly. It seems that whereas the rest of the world has adapted to foreigh-owned car companies producing vehicles using domestic workers, President Trump wants to take his country back to the 1960s, which is where the legislative basis for the probe comes from.