June at-a-glance … materials & handling 

Administration announces plans to strengthen essential supply chains

Following a 100-day review of vulnerabilities in critical supply chains, President Biden announced plans to strengthen supply-chain resilience and address overreliance on foreign suppliers, especially China. The review specifically assessed the production and delivery of pharmaceuticals, computer chips, large-capacity batteries and critical minerals.

The administration announced a “whole-of-government effort” to:

• Support domestic production of critical medicines.
• Secure an end-to-end domestic supply chain for advanced batteries.
• Invest in sustainable domestic and international production and processing of critical minerals.
• Partner with industry, allies and others to address semi-conductor shortages, especially in the home building and construction, transportation, agriculture and food industries.
• Support American workers and innovation.
• Invest in sustainable supply chains at home and abroad.
• Combat unfair trade practices.

NAFEM members to share concerns with Congress and others during virtual meetings

NAFEM members will meet virtually with elected and appointed officials in Washington, D.C. July 20-22 to discuss trade and supply issues. On the docket are discussions around challenges presented by the Section 232 and 301 tariffs, as well as a request to revise the exclusion processes if tariffs continue. Members also intend to voice their support for passage of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act intended to fuel technology and economic competition with China, and Senator Crapo’s amendment to the legislation (see Above the Fold). Additionally, they plan to share perspectives on challenges presented by shortages of plastics, semiconductors and chips, as well as labor shortages impacting a return to a new, post-pandemic normal. Members interested in these virtual visits should email Charlie Souhrada immediately as work is under to schedule meetings. All members are welcome, especially those from Ill., Ohio, Mich., Penn., and Wisc. Look for information on the visits in the July Advocacy Update.