Supply Chain

Illustration depicting Tesla Optimus robot production challenges from reliance on costly Chinese parts in a U.S. factory.

Chinese parts dependency challenges Tesla Optimus production costs

February 03, 2026 Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Tesla's plans to manufacture its Optimus humanoid robot entirely in the United States face significant hurdles due to reliance on Chinese suppliers. A Morgan Stanley report estimates that excluding Chinese components could nearly triple the robot's manufacturing costs from $46,000 to $131,000 per unit. This dependency highlights a broader split in the robotics industry between American software innovation and Chinese hardware dominance.

Three Chinese EV makers raise prices but analysts warn of weak demand

Xiaomi, Chery and FAW have raised prices on their electric vehicles amid surging chip and raw material costs, a sharp departure from 2025's aggressive cuts, though analysts caution that weak demand could force reversals. The trend started earlier this month, with Xiaomi making the latest adjustment.

Tapestry inks 10-year carbon removal deal with Climeworks

March 19, 2026 Reported by AI

Tapestry, parent company of Coach and Kate Spade, has signed a 10-year partnership with Swiss startup Climeworks to offset its Scope 1 emissions. The move comes amid US political backlash against ESG initiatives. Logan Duran, Tapestry's global head of ESG and sustainability, emphasized the need for long-term carbon removal solutions.

Asia

China reliance and tariff wars emerge as top risks for global defence industry

Asia

South Korea braces for supply chain fallout from China's dual-use export ban to Japan

Crypto

Western SMEs use crypto to challenge China's supply chain dominance

Thousands of Korean Air employees exposed in Oracle breach

Korean Air, a major South Korean airline, has been affected by a supply-chain attack originating from Oracle, resulting in the exposure of thousands of its employees' information. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in third-party software services. Details emerged in a recent security report.

Firm executives discuss effective supply chains at global forum

December 15, 2025 Reported by AI

As tensions between economic superpowers China and the United States intensify, companies are ramping up efforts to secure stable supply networks. At an online Next-Generation Global Supply Chain Forum held on Friday, corporate representatives and a researcher exchanged views on challenges and countermeasures. Panasonic Connect Co. President Yasu Higuchi emphasized that effective management during normal times is fundamentally crucial.

Tesla directs suppliers to remove China-made parts for U.S. vehicles

Tesla is urging its suppliers to eliminate China-sourced components from vehicles produced in the United States, amid escalating trade tensions. The company has already replaced several such parts and plans to complete the transition within one to two years. This shift reflects broader industry efforts to localize supply chains in response to tariff uncertainties.

Tesla aims to eliminate China-made parts in US vehicles

November 15, 2025 Reported by AI

Tesla is directing suppliers to exclude China-made components from vehicles built in the United States, according to reports. The company has already replaced some parts and plans to complete the transition within one to two years. This move accelerates amid escalating US-China trade tensions.

March 16, 2026 19:50