Latest news with #US-sourced
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canadian Food Industry Responds to Escalating U.S. Tariffs with Strategic Shifts in Supply, Pricing, and Market Focus Français
MONTRÉAL, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - As U.S. tariffs continue to disrupt global trade, Canadian food manufacturers and distributors are taking swift and strategic action to counter the impact of rising costs, supply chain instability, and cross-border uncertainty, according to a comprehensive summary on the state of food manufacturing in Canada, released by Richter. Based on insights gathered from senior leaders across the food sector, Richter's summary reveals that companies, already navigating post-pandemic recovery, are now facing compounding trade challenges. In response, many are adopting new tactics, including renegotiating supplier contracts, diversifying supply sources, and adjusting pricing models. "Tariffs are adding cost pressure and volatility just as we're regaining stability," said one foodservice distributor consulted by Richter. "Many companies are now embedding tariff clauses and shifting suppliers entirely." Key findings from Richter's analysis include: Diversifying the supply base: Companies are reducing reliance on U.S. inputs by exploring Canadian, European, and Asian suppliers. For example, one leader in beverage manufacturing is looking closer to home and finding results; "about 40% of our raw material costs are currently US-sourced, and we plan to reduce this to about 20%. We've found some Canadian suppliers at 60-70% of US costs with better lead times." Renegotiating Supplier Contracts: Operators are renegotiating contracts to include volume-based discounts, flexible pricing terms, and risk-sharing mechanisms. One leader in the meat processing industry commented: "we negotiated volume discounts and better terms with core suppliers." Managing Input Costs: Cost-conscious changes in materials and product formats are helping mitigate inflation without major operational overhauls. Selective Price Increases: Tiered and SKU-level pricing strategies are being implemented to balance cost recovery and customer sensitivity. For example, a leading meat processor comments: "We adopted a two-tier pricing strategy: absorption on premium, pass-through on commodity SKUs." Operational Adjustments: Companies are increasing inventory buffers and warehousing capacity to manage transit disruptions and cost spikes. A leading seafood distributor comments: "We usually hold a safety stock of around eight weeks. We have pushed that out now to about 10 weeks." However, this also raises concerns about warehousing costs, which could further erode margins if not managed carefully. Despite these tactical responses, Richter warns that the sector needs a more strategic, long-term response to build resilience in the face of continued trade instability. The firm outlines six priority actions: Diversify sourcing at a strategic level Restructure cross-border operations Invest in forecasting and scenario planning tools Redesign pricing and commercial models Pursue new domestic and international markets Explore vertical integration for critical inputs "Tariff disruption is no longer a short-term issue—it's a structural shift," said the summary. "Canadian food businesses must proactively transform their supply chains, pricing strategies, and market exposure if they hope to thrive in this evolving trade environment." To read the full summary, click here. Richter is a Business | Family Office that provides strategic advice on business matters and on families' financial and personal objectives across generations. With close to 100 years of experience advising at the intersection of family and business, Richter has developed an integrated approach to help business owners find sustainable success. Whether business, personal, or both, Richter is uniquely positioned to address the needs of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs, private clients, business owners and business families and help them chart a clear path to shape their legacy for the future. Founded in 1926, Richter's 600-person multidisciplinary team continuously innovates to create value for our people, clients, and community in Canada and in the US.
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Taiwan shows off first US Abrams tanks at largest war games
Taiwan's army on Thursday displayed the fire power of its first US-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks – a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle given lessons from the Ukraine war. Four Abrams tanks were shown manoeuvring across a mud-choked army training ground in Hsinchu county, firing at moving and static targets, on the second day of Taiwan's annual military exercises that are designed to test the island's resilience in a conflict with China. Wearing a combat helmet, president Lai Ching-te observed the firing, saying later that with "every increase in the military's combat power, the nation and its people gain an extra layer of security". "Whether in terms of strike capability or mobility, it was extremely powerful and undoubtedly the strongest tank on the battlefield," Mr Lai said. Senior military officials in Lai's government say they intend the comprehensive 10-day drills to show both China and the international community, including its key weapons supplier the U.S., that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any China attack or invasion. China views the democratically governed island as its own and has intensified military pressure around Taiwan over the last five years. Mr Lai's comments also come ahead of a recall parliamentary election on 26 July that could see his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take back control of the legislature. The tanks are among the first batch of 38 Abrams main battle tanks delivered in December, with the rest of the 108 ordered by Taiwan due to be delivered later this year and next year. They marked Taiwan's first new tanks for 24 years. Analysts and regional military attaches say that while the Abrams remains a potent and highly adaptable weapon that would help Taiwan defend its cities and coasts in an invasion scenario, Taiwan will have to leverage its counter-drone technology to protect them. Both Russian and Ukrainian tanks, including US Abrams supplied to Kyiv, have reportedly proven vulnerable to drones and advanced anti-tank weapons. The tanks have yet to be fully commissioned and Wednesday's test firing was not a formal part of the Han Kuang drills, which are designed to replicate full battle conditions at sea, on land and in the skies, military officials said. Major General Chou Kuang-i, who heads the 584th armour brigade, said he expected the tanks to be in service later this year and deployed to combat zones according to "the current enemy threat and the tactical needs". Singapore-based military scholar Thomas Lim said he expected Taiwan would attempt in a war scenario to cover their "prized assets" with counter drone elements, or also deploy them from high positions for extra protection. "This isn't it isn't a problem unique to Abrams," said Mr Lim, of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. President Lai said that he believed that through "realistic combat training", the M1A2T tank will "be able to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to more effectively fulfill the nation's strategic objectives". China's defence ministry on Tuesday said that Taiwan's drills were "nothing but a bluff". Alongside the military drills Taiwan authorities are holding civil defence rehearsals to test public reactions and build resilience. Local supermarket chain PX Mart held evacuation drills in three stores on Thursday, with shoppers escorted into basements as air raid sirens sounded. Deputy secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council, Lin Fei-fan, said the drill is a reminder that both government and civil society must be prepared for 'every kind of situation', citing the challenges and risk facing the island.
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Taiwan shows off new US tanks amid annual war games
Four Abrams tanks were seen manoeuvring across a mud-choked army training ground in Hsinchu County today. (AP pic) TAIPEI : Taiwan's army today displayed the fire power of its first US-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks – a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle given lessons from the Ukraine war. Four Abrams tanks were shown manoeuvring across a mud-choked army training ground in Hsinchu County, firing at both moving and static targets, on the second day of Taiwan's annual military exercises, which are designed to test the island's resilience in a conflict with China. Wearing a combat helmet, president Lai Ching-te observed the firing, saying later that with 'every increase in the military's combat power, the nation and its people gain an extra layer of security'. 'Whether in terms of strike capability or mobility, it was extremely powerful – undoubtedly the strongest tank on the battlefield,' Lai said. Senior military officials in Lai's government say they intend the comprehensive 10-day drills to show both China and the international community, including its key weapons supplier the US, that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any China attack or invasion. China views the democratically governed island as its own and has intensified military pressure around Taiwan over the last five years. Lai's comments also come ahead of a recall parliamentary election on July 26 that could see his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take back control of the legislature. The tanks are among the first batch of 38 Abrams main battle tanks delivered in December, with the rest of the 108 ordered by Taiwan due to be delivered later this year and next year. They marked Taiwan's first new tanks for 24 years. Analysts and regional military attaches say that while the Abrams remains a potent and highly adaptable weapon that would help Taiwan defend its cities and coasts in an invasion scenario, Taiwan will have to leverage its counter-drone technology to protect them. Both Russian and Ukrainian tanks, including US Abrams supplied to Kyiv, have reportedly proven vulnerable to drones and advanced anti-tank weapons. The tanks have yet to be fully commissioned and yesterday's test firing was not a formal part of the Han Kuang drills, which are designed to replicate full battle conditions at sea, on land and in the skies, military officials said. Major-general Chou Kuang-i, who heads the 584th armour brigade, said he expected the tanks to be in service later this year and deployed to combat zones according to 'the current enemy threat and the tactical needs'. Singapore-based military scholar Thomas Lim said he expected Taiwan would attempt in a war scenario to cover their 'prized assets' with counter drone elements, or also deploy them from high positions for extra protection. 'This isn't straightforward… but it isn't a problem unique to Abrams,' said Lim, of Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. President Lai said that he believed that through 'realistic combat training', the M1A2T tank will 'be able to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to more effectively fulfil the nation's strategic objectives'. China's defence ministry on Tuesday said that Taiwan's drills were 'nothing but a bluff'.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Taiwan shows off new US tanks amid annual war games
TAIPEI: Taiwan's army on Thursday displayed the fire power of its first US-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks - a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle given lessons from the Ukraine war. Four Abrams tanks were shown manoeuvring across a mud-choked army training ground in Hsinchu county, firing at moving and static targets, on the second day of Taiwan's annual military exercises that are designed to test the island's resilience in a conflict with China. Wearing a combat helmet, President Lai Ching-te observed the firing, saying later that with "every increase in the military's combat power, the nation and its people gain an extra layer of security." "Whether in terms of strike capability or mobility, it was extremely powerful — undoubtedly the strongest tank on the battlefield," Lai said. Senior military officials in Lai's government say they intend the comprehensive 10-day drills to show both China and the international community, including its key weapons supplier the US, that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any China attack or invasion. China views the democratically governed island as its own and has intensified military pressure around Taiwan over the last five years. Lai's comments also come ahead of a recall parliamentary election on July 26 that could see his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take back control of the legislature. The tanks are among the first batch of 38 Abrams main battle tanks delivered in December, with the rest of the 108 ordered by Taiwan due to be delivered later this year and next year. They marked Taiwan's first new tanks for 24 years. Analysts and regional military attaches say that while the Abrams remains a potent and highly adaptable weapon that would help Taiwan defend its cities and coasts in an invasion scenario, Taiwan will have to leverage its counter-drone technology to protect them. Both Russian and Ukrainian tanks, including US Abrams supplied to Kyiv, have reportedly proven vulnerable to drones and advanced anti-tank weapons. The tanks have yet to be fully commissioned and Wednesday's test firing was not a formal part of the Han Kuang drills, which are designed to replicate full battle conditions at sea, on land and in the skies, military officials said. Major General Chou Kuang-i, who heads the 584th armour brigade, said he expected the tanks to be in service later this year and deployed to combat zones according to "the current enemy threat and the tactical needs." Singapore-based military scholar Thomas Lim said he expected Taiwan would attempt in a war scenario to cover their "prized assets" with counter drone elements, or also deploy them from high positions for extra protection. "This isn't it isn't a problem unique to Abrams," said Lim, of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. President Lai said that he believed that through "realistic combat training", the M1A2T tank will "be able to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to more effectively fulfill the nation's strategic objectives." China's defence ministry on Tuesday said that Taiwan's drills were "nothing but a bluff." Alongside the military drills Taiwan authorities are holding civil defence rehearsals to test public reactions and build resilience. Local supermarket chain PX Mart held evacuation drills in three stores on Thursday, with shoppers escorted into basements as air raid sirens sounded. Deputy secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council, Lin Fei-fan, said the drill is a reminder that both government and civil society must be prepared for 'every kind of situation', citing the challenges and risk facing the island.
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Taiwan's shows off new US tanks as annual war games intensify
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any China attack or invasion, senior military officials said. Taiwan's army on J uly 10 displayed the fire power of its first US-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks - a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle given lessons from the Ukraine war. Four Abrams tanks were shown manoeuvring across a mud-choked army training ground in Hsinchu county which is located in north-western Taiwan, facing the Taiwan strait . The t anks were seen firing at moving and static targets, on the second day of Taiwan's annual military exercises that are designed to test the island's resilience in a conflict with China. Wearing a combat helmet, President Lai Ching-te observed the firing, saying later that with 'every increase in the military's combat power, the nation and its people gain an extra layer of security'. 'Whether in terms of strike capability or mobility, it was extremely powerful – undoubtedly the strongest tank on the battlefield,' Mr Lai said. Senior military officials in Mr Lai's government say they intend the comprehensive 10-day drills to show both China and the international community, including its key weapons supplier the US, that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any China attack or invasion. China views the democratically governed island as its own and has intensified military pressure around Taiwan over the last five years. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore 'Give a positive review': Hidden AI prompt found in academic paper by NUS researchers Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's conviction of doctor who gave patients unapproved hormones Mr Lai's comments also come ahead of a recall parliamentary election on July 26 that could see his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take back control of the legislature. The tanks are among the first batch of 38 Abrams main battle tanks delivered in December 2024 , with the rest of the 108 ordered by Taiwan due to be delivered later in 2025 and in 2026 . They marked Taiwan's first new tanks for 24 years. Analysts and regional military attaches say that while the Abrams remains a potent and highly adaptable weapon that would help Taiwan defend its cities and coasts in an invasion scenario, Taiwan will have to leverage its counter-drone technology to protect them. Both Russian and Ukrainian tanks, including US Abrams supplied to Kyiv, have reportedly proven vulnerable to drones and advanced anti-tank weapons. The tanks have yet to be fully commissioned and Wednesday's test firing was not a formal part of the drills, which are designed to replicate full battle conditions at sea, on land and in the skies, military officials said. Singapore-based military scholar Thomas Lim said he expected Taiwan would attempt in a war scenario to cover their 'prized assets' with counter drone elements, or also deploy them from high positions for extra protection. 'This isn't it isn't a problem unique to Abrams,' said Mr Lim , of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. President Lai said that he believed that through 'realistic combat training', the M1A2T tank will 'be able to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to more effectively fulfill the nation's strategic objectives'. China's defence ministry on July 8 said that Taiwan's drills were 'nothing but a bluff'. REUTERS
