Entries tagged with “north-america”
Articles
17 articles found for north-america:
- Navigating Supply Chain Shifts in Fastener Industry
Fasteners traverse a large and interconnected global supply chain due to their applicability across industries. The rise of supply hubs worldwide has significantly impacted the dynamics of fastener supply. The global strategy is leaning toward offshoring to Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries such as India and Taiwan, specifically as alternatives to China (China Plus One), for realizing cost advantages and enhancing supply chain resilience. Nearshoring, however, is gaining traction in North America and Europe for addressing supply chain downtime concerns and logistics inefficiency.
- Mexico's Nearshoring Promise to Supply Chain Adversities
As the world navigates a series of supply chain disruptions, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Exploring nearshoring opportunities becomes increasingly important to mitigate risks and build resilience. Mexico is emerging as a promising nearshoring destination to global companies (especially in North America) due to inherent benefits such as logistical proximity, reduced lead times, cost efficiency, and strategic trade relations. Procurement organizations have actively embraced Mexico, making regular investments, expanding capacities, and fostering supplier partnerships to reap the benefits of nearshoring. Are you prepared for nearshoring to build a resilient supply chain strategy?
- USMCA - A Three-Year Retrospective and its impact
The US–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), implemented in 2020, replaced North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and has significantly benefitted North American trade. It led to a substantial surge in trade, with North American trade volume exceeding USD 1.5 trillion in 2022 led by double-digit growth in trade since 2022. This free trade environment created 9.5 million jobs, and the three countries now account for one-third of the world's GDP. Investments in the region posted remarkable growth, with capital investments increasing 134% to reach USD 219 billion. However, USMCA faces challenges, such as trade disputes, and public opinion on international trade has shifted with 66% of Americans now supporting restrictions on imported foreign goods. The agreement's future will depend on addressing these issues before the joint review in 2026. If successful, the agreement could boost trade relations, enhance digital trade, and promote economic growth in North America.
- Global Market Opportunity for Bio-Based Resins
Bio-based resin is being increasingly adopted across industries as the need for sustainability has risen. Bio-based resins, made from partially or wholly plant-derived monomers, offer a sustainable and carbon-positive approach for consumers and manufacturers shifting to a bioeconomy model from highly-priced and depleting fossil fuel ingredients. Government regulations have also boosted their application. Successful commercialization is leading to the growth of bio-based resin throughout the world.
- Will Telematics-Based Auto Insurance be a Game Changer?
The complex nature of auto insurance pricing compels carriers to offer competitive quotes that effectively balance risk and profit potential. However, the evolution of telematics has led to simplified pricing, and the introduction of more personalized and transparent insurance policies based on how an individual drives. Telematics-based insurance is usage-based coverage that derives premiums based on in-car monitoring devices that capture data of policyholders' mileage and driving habits.
- Flavor Modulation in Food and Beverage
Modern consumers prioritize food ingredients they trust and recognize with the aim of lowering sugar, salt, and fat content. Globally, there is growing demand for taste modulation solutions, driven by the expanding culinary and packaged food sectors. New businesses are increasingly leveraging diverse and cutting-edge technologies to meet this demand. The entrants aim to assist clients in developing comprehensive natural product concepts by incorporating flavorings, coloring, and sweetness balance to fulfill consumer expectations. Furthermore, market dynamics are influenced by various regulations, government investments, and R&D advancements in flavor modulation.
- Exploring the Complexities of Hair Loss: Insights into Causes and Research Trends
Hair loss is a pervasive worldwide concern. It can be caused due to various conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. The past decade has witnessed extensive research efforts dedicated to understanding the intricate factors that cause hair loss, delving into internal and external elements, alongside the impact of signaling pathways in varying manifestations of hair loss. While some studies have explored genetic predisposition associated with androgenetic alopecia, others have researched the role of hormonal imbalance linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders.
- Climate Tech Startups Saving the Planet
In the past few years, changing weather patterns and an increase in natural disasters became evident as the climate change impact intensified. With the global temperature increasing and ice mass melting, sea levels have risen, which will soon prove to be cataclysmic for the planet. Technology experts and modern entrepreneurs are devising innovative solutions to combat climate change, such as reducing carbon emissions, harnessing renewable energy, and creating sustainable solutions, thereby changing the way of life. Will they be able to reverse the negative effect of environmental degradation and reset the delicate ecological balance?
- Exploring the Issue of Hair Loss and Underlying Health Conditions
Hair loss affects a large section of the global population irrespective of age, gender, and ethnicity. This issue can be ascribed to multiple factors including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences; however, it also serves as a subtle yet revealing indicator of underlying health conditions.
- Price Corrections in Global Caustic Soda Market
The global caustic soda market observed substantial price corrections in 2023 following the elevated energy costs in 2022. APAC, commanding 55–65% of chlor-alkali capacity, saw a 19% drop, led by China. In contrast, North American suppliers were resilient to declines, maintaining a strong market stance. After Russia-Ukraine challenges, Europe faced surging prices and reduced utilization rates. Nevertheless, the caustic soda market shows promise, driven by stable demand in traditional applications and emerging Li-ion battery opportunities. The outlook foresees price recovery in APAC and Europe, with North American suppliers expected to concede to lower prices for better plant utilization.
- Sugar Alternatives – The Sweet Success Story
Sugar alternatives are an emerging ingredient category gaining popularity due to the consumer shift toward health and fitness. Various factors drive its growth, with certain regions recording higher demand than others. With various options available, the sugar alternative industry is poised to grow as it is an exciting sector with unexplored opportunities and potential.
- Capturing the Opportunity of Carbon Capture & Storage Technology in Petrochemicals
The growing need for environmental sustainability has impelled petrochemical companies worldwide to look for ways to reduce carbon emissions and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Industry leaders globally have been collaborating on exploring carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as a means to significantly reduce carbon emissions from their petrochemical plants. As this technology is in a nascent stage, companies that make an early entry in developing and investing in CCS and related infrastructure would provide good investment opportunities, considering they would largely benefit as CCS technology gets adopted across the petrochemical industry.
- Buy Now Pay Later: The Latest FinTech Disruption in Payments
BNPL is a FinTech option that allows buyers to buy now and pay over a period of time. Unlike the regular loans, BNPL does not involve paperwork – customers can access it almost instantly using their smartphones. Besides helping customers raise credit easily and boosting the sales of consumer goods and other white goods, BNPL helps merchants to explore new borrowers. Accessing credit via BNPL is easy and hassle-free compared to a traditional loan; however, consumers must exercise utmost caution before using the BNPL facility as it is also a type of loan which must be repaid. The sector has faced intense scrutiny from regulators recently over awareness concerns. Nonetheless, BNPL’s future appears very bright.
- Mexico – A Promising Sourcing Destination for US Procurement Organizations
With the global supply chain disruptions, countries are looking to develop strong supply base near to them. For the US, Mexico has emerged as a strong contender. Many drivers contribute to the country being a preferred option. The number of collaborations and trading transactions between the two countries rose in the past year, and this will only increase further. In this article, we discuss why sourcing from Mexico is an attractive option for large US organizations to procure key categories such as metal & electronics components, automotive parts, and other manufacturing products.
- The Rise of High-Pressure Processing
High pressure processing (HPP) technology is witnessing rapid growth in the food and beverage industry. Consumer demand for fresh, minimally processed foods with longer shelf life; the need for safer and healthier food products; and the rise of HPP-processed functional foods are driving the HPP market.
- US Pet Food Industry on the Rise
Pet ownership increased during lockdown when people were confined to their homes. Pet humanization has led to owners treating pets as part of their family. Owners are increasingly concerned about their pets’ health and nutrition and are looking for high quality and nutrient-rich food products. Pet food manufactures have been quick to tap into this rising demand to develop organic, natural, and high nutrition products. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet food sales increased 19.3% year-on-year to USD123.6 billion in 2021. Large pet food and treat manufacturers are expanding their production lines to meet growing demand. The pet food industry has shown resilience during the recent economic downturn and is expected to grow further.
- Transforming Banking Operations: The Rise of Hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is significantly transforming the global banking sector through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA). Major banks are leveraging hyperautomation to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and introduce innovative services. Hyperautomation use cases in financial services range from customer onboarding and loan processing to AML compliance and personalized marketing. Successful implementations by top banks – such as Lloyds, Mashreq, and Axis – underscore hyperautomation's role in reshaping financial services, providing efficiency gains, and ensuring competitive adaptation in the digital landscape.
Special Reports
7 special reports found for north-america:
- Europe & North America MedTech strengthens in 1H23
In a notable development, most MedTech companies in Europe and the US topped consensus estimates in 1H23 earnings, largely on a rewind in procedure volume and efficient execution of cost-saving strategy. Patient count surged in hospitals as people opted for non-urgent surgical treatment after delaying care during the pandemic, thereby accelerating demand for medical devices. This trend bodes well for MedTech giants Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, and Philips. Moreover, the decrease in supply chain constraints eased pressure on margins. Contrarily, extra retention charges of nursing staff pressured Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius SE. Further, companies such as Philips, Stryker, and Baxter have lifted their 2023 guidance on improved surgery volumes. Conversely, on continuation of a softer environment for biopharma services, Danaher, and its peer ThermoFisher have narrowed their this year estimates.
- Diagnostic Proteomics in Disease Detection & Personalized Medicine
Diagnostic proteomics, driven by innovation and computational tools, is reshaping disease diagnosis and treatment. North America leads the global proteomics market due to increased chronic diseases and advanced diagnostic labs. Technologies within the space, such as “Proteogenomics” is crucial for understanding diseases, especially in cancer diagnostics, while mass spectrometry-based proteomics aids biomarker discovery. Further, “Liquid biopsies”, incorporating proteomics, allow non-invasive disease monitoring and early cancer detection. Use of Artificial intelligence helps in tackling drug design challenges. Despite hurdles like data complexity and regulatory issues, several companies are collaborating to advance proteomic diagnostics for early disease detection.
- Global Private Equity Factbook – Q2 2023
Amid difficult macroeconomic circumstances and increased financing expense, the second quarter of 2023 showed a positive upturn in global private equity investments. This encouraging trend can largely be attributed to the influence of private credit. The momentum in deal-making is expected to persist, fueled by ample funds and a strong focus on expansion strategies.
In the dynamic landscape of Q2 2023, deal activities experienced an 11% surge, predominantly fueled by a notable increase in the volume of add-on deals. However, the enthusiasm for larger buyout transactions was dampened by the ripple effects of higher interest rates and lingering economic uncertainties. Private investment in public equity strategies and growth/expansion transactions together accounted for a substantial 77% of the total deal volume. Capital deployment surged 17% to USD465 billion, largely driven by private investments. While North America, MENA, and Latin America experienced heightened investment activities, Europe's decline persisted as a notable contrast.
PE exits saw a considerable surge, mainly due to secondary sales and IPOs. Simultaneously, the fundraising domain expanded its horizons, shining a spotlight on buyout and growth capital funds. Major sectors driving PE investments included IT, healthcare, and financial services. These sectors collectively accounted for 71% of the total invested capital, solidifying their significance in shaping the investment landscape.
Investment momentum is likely to continue in 2023, led by available dry powder and heightened interest in carve-out deals, as PE firms seek to acquire business segments within portfolio companies with the aim of unlocking their latent potential.
This edition of the Global Private Equity Factbook offers insights on global PE investment activity, features key sectors targeted, and provides an outlook for the industry in the coming quarter.
- Global Private Equity Factbook – Q1 2023
Global private equity investments fell in Q1 2023 due to a worsening macroeconomic environment. Consequently, PE activities are expected to slow down and equity finance is likely to play a more prominent role in driving deals.
- Global Private Equity Factbook – Q3 2022
Global PE dealmaking slowed down in Q3 2022, due to macroeconomic uncertainties, but reported the strongest nine months in the last five years, with capital investments growing at 21%. The PE deal activity is expected to remain subdued towards the end of the year.
- Global Private Equity Factbook – Q4 2023
In Q4 2023, private equity investments saw a rebound as concerns over potential interest rate hikes and the severity of the global economic slowdown diminished. Private equity activities are expected to increase in the coming year, driven by a rise in distressed transactions and an uptick in secondary buyouts.
- Global Private Equity Factbook – Q3 2023
In Q3 2023, private equity showed resilience by increasing capital investments despite a dip in deal volume. Although the industry foresees growth supported by the availability of dry powder, the potential influence of rising interest rates and accumulating debt could impede the pace of recovery.