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 supply chain growth, the battery supply chain, and freight recession.
Keep reading to see this week's hot topics.
This week's stats
71.1- the June Logistics Managers' Index (LMI) FAU
35-36- the percentage increase in truckload spot rates in 2026 DC Velocity
Report: Supply Chain Growth Jumps Despite Persistent Cost Pressures
U.S. supply chains expanded significantly in June, fueled by resilient consumer spending despite ongoing inflation and slower job growth, according to the June Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) from researchers at Florida Atlantic University and partner institutions. Retailers and larger organizations increased inventory levels ahead of back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons, while also potentially stocking up to hedge against future tariff increases. This inventory growth contributed to higher warehousing utilization, rising warehouse costs, and stronger transportation demand. The report notes that firms are shifting from defensive inventory management to proactive inventory investment, but cautions that tightening capacity, higher freight rates, and trade policy uncertainty could continue to create cost pressures in the months ahead.
Downstream processing and export controls reshape battery supply chain resilience in 2026
The article explains how battery supply chains in 2026 are being reshaped by a combination of downstream processing capacity investments and tighter export controls on critical minerals and battery materials. As governments and manufacturers work to reduce reliance on concentrated supply sources, companies are increasingly diversifying suppliers, regionalizing production, and investing in processing and refining capabilities closer to end markets. The result is a supply chain focused less on pure cost efficiency and more on resilience, security, and regulatory compliance. These shifts are driving new sourcing strategies, increased transparency requirements, and greater emphasis on supply chain risk management as demand for electric vehicle and energy storage batteries continues to grow.
The trucking industry is showing signs that its prolonged freight recession is ending, but the recovery is being driven more by shrinking capacity than by a major surge in freight demand. After years of excess trucking capacity suppressing rates and profitability, many small carriers and owner-operators have exited the market due to economic pressures, regulatory enforcement, and tighter driver availability. As capacity declines, truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers are seeing firmer pricing, stronger shipment activity, and renewed confidence to invest in fleets, terminals, and equipment. While freight demand is improving gradually, industry leaders emphasize that the recovery remains uneven across sectors, with manufacturing and industrial activity helping support expectations for a healthier freight market over the next year.
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