Every week, Rinchem shares important articles and topics about chemical and gas logistics, industries we operate in, and the general global supply chain. In this week's review we discuss semiconductor industry's U.S. workforce needs, supply chain disruptions remain top-of-mind for CEOs, and dwindling air cargo.
Keep reading to see this week's hot topics.
This week's stats
157,000- potential shortage of semiconductor industry workers by 2030 ABC 15 Arizona
48- Percentage of consumer and retail CEOs that identify supply chain resilience as a threat to growth KPMG
Community colleges rush to expand semiconductor training as labor shortage looms US chip industry
The ABC15 article “Community colleges rush to expand semiconductor training as labor shortage looms US chip industry” highlights how community colleges are rapidly developing shorter, hands-on semiconductor training programs to address a major workforce shortage as chipmakers expand U.S. manufacturing. Fueled by the CHIPS Act and more than $800 billion in planned semiconductor fabrication investment, schools such as Rio Salado College in Arizona are working directly with companies including TSMC and Intel to train entry-level technicians in months rather than years. Rio Salado’s free 12-week program combines virtual-reality instruction with clean-room experience at Arizona State University, while similar programs are operating at Austin Community College and West Valley College. More than 200 colleges and universities are coordinating with SEMI on semiconductor workforce preparation. The need is especially acute in Arizona, Texas, Ohio, California, and New York, where major semiconductor investments could be constrained if manufacturers cannot find enough skilled technicians and engineers.
Supply chain disruption remains standout threat to consumer and retail growth as CEOs sharpen AI execution
he KPMG 2026 Global Consumer & Retail CEO Outlook finds that supply chain disruption remains the leading threat to growth for consumer and retail companies, even as executives grow more confident about the sector’s overall prospects. Nearly half of surveyed CEOs identify supply chain resilience as a growth risk, prompting increased investment in operational continuity alongside cybersecurity and digital resilience. At the same time, companies are becoming more deliberate about AI, with 71% of CEOs naming it a top investment priority while shifting expectations for returns toward a one-to-three-year timeframe. Workforce readiness is also becoming critical, with businesses hiring technology talent, redesigning roles, and retraining employees to capture AI’s potential. Overall, the findings suggest that companies increasingly view resilience as extending beyond the physical movement of goods to include suppliers, technology, workforce capabilities, and the broader interconnected ecosystem needed to withstand continual disruption.
Air cargo’s hopes for end-of-year volume surge dwindle
The Supply Chain Dive article “Air cargo’s hopes for end-of-year volume surge dwindle” reports that global air cargo demand continued to grow in October, but the traditional year-end peak season has yet to materialize. According to Xeneta, volumes increased 6% year over year for a seventh consecutive month of growth, yet the market lacks the sharp capacity constraints, rate spikes, and soaring charter prices that normally accompany a peak-season surge. Despite moderate demand, limited capacity is keeping prices elevated, with global spot rates rising significantly from a year earlier and rates increasing across all 10 major trade corridors tracked by Xeneta. AI-related shipments are providing particular strength on Transpacific routes, while reduced winter capacity is pushing up Europe-to-North America pricing. Looking ahead, Xeneta expects air freight rates to decline in 2027 as capacity and demand rebalance, although continued uncertainty is making long-term contracting difficult for shippers and forwarders.
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