Ericsson, the global market leader in telecom network equipment, had also cited a supply shortage when it announced a 9 percent decline in first-quarter sales on April 23.
Among other things, the text clearly outlines the threats climate change poses to the global food supply, citing a decrease of up to 2% each decade in yields of staple crops like maize, wheat, and rice.
That changed in 2010 when China cut export quotas on rare earth supplies by almost 40%, citing a desire to clean up the mess the industry had created, consolidate it into several large districts and crack down on illegal smuggling – believed to account for almost a third of all rare earth elements that left the country in 2008.
Looking back on the last few lackluster years, Mr. Bryant cites a couple of supply-chain issues that resulted in major embarrassments.
Almost all the interview participants (29/30) cited a lack of supplies as one of the greatest sources of dissatisfaction and the most challenging part of their job.
Most interview and survey participants cited a lack of supplies, inadequate human resources, and high workload as major challenges to their work.
The report cites a good balance in housing supply and demand, a strong federal and state government presence to support jobs, continued population growth and a widely diverse economy.
Citigroup now predicts Brent crude will trade in a range of $100 to $120 a barrel next year, up from a previous forecast of $86 a barrel, citing supply disruptions, low inventories and political tensions.
He cites a possible deal with Ford to supply magnesium for car frames.
Many had pegged launch device numbers at around 10 million, citing supply constraints as a limiting factor.
