Port strike looms + Flying cars take centre stage 👀

Author

Ben Thompson
November 15, 2024

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Welcome to all our new subscribers and a warm “Ahoy” to our loyal readers. Another new week, let's take a look 🔭

In today’s email:

  • Say What: 🛸 Xpeng showcases first public launch of its eVTOL flying car.

  • Cold Build: ❄️ Mass construction in Antartica. But why?

  • Cha Ching: 📊 Bitcoin approaches $100k milestone.

  • Not Again: 🤖 US ports brace for new strike amid automation concerns.

TRANSPORTATION NEWS

XPeng’s Flying Car Ready to Take Off

XPeng Aeroht, the aviation branch of XPeng, recently made a major leap by showcasing the first public flight of its eVTOL flying car, the X2, at the "Land Aircraft Carrier" event in Hunan Province, China. This demonstration is a big step forward for urban air mobility, showing off important features like electric power, zero emissions, and autonomous control.

  • Starting Price: The vehicle is expected to be priced at no more than 2 million yuan (approximately $280,000 USD).

  • Pre-Orders: Aeroht, has secured 2,008 pre-orders for the "Land Aircraft Carrier."

  • Setup Time: The modular design allows for the aircraft to be docked back into the carrier in approximately 5 minutes.

  • Passenger Capacity: The aircraft cabin is designed to seat two people.

  • Flight Range: The vehicle supports 5-6 short flights on a full charge.

  • Charging Speed: The "Mothership" can charge the aircraft's battery from 30% to 80% in 18 minutes.

  • Production & Delivery: Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, with an annual production capacity of 10,000 units.

With innovations like Tesla’s Cybercab, self-driving cars, and now XPeng’s Land Aircraft Carrier, transportation is evolving fast. As flying cars become a reality, our future commute options are set to be more futuristic than ever. Watch clip of flying car

TOGETHER WITH THE OXFORD CLUB

Man Who Called Nvidia at $1.10 Says Buy This Now...

  • This company signed a major deal with Apple

  • Nvidia has invested more in this one company than any othe

  • And its tech is found in products from Samsung and Google

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The Race to Build in Antarctica

Antarctica, the world’s harshest environment, is seeing an unprecedented construction boom. Recent oil discoveries and strategic interests are fueling a race among nations to establish claims before the 2048 treaty expires. Will this icy sanctuary remain protected?

GLOBAL TRADE SNIPPETS

Analysts predict bitcoin's fast track to $100K milestone in November. Bitcoin could reach the $100K mark sooner than anticipated, according to analysts, with current market dynamics setting up the cryptocurrency for a potential breakthrough this month.

Europe's new industrial plan encounters major challenges. Europe’s ambitious industrial plan aims to boost green and digital sectors but faces significant hurdles, including regulatory complexities and global competition, potentially slowing its progress toward sustainable economic transformation.

Russia inks first export deal for Su-57 fighter jets. Russia has secured its first international contract for the Su-57 stealth fighter jet, marking a significant step in exporting advanced combat aircraft to foreign defense markets.

TOGETHER WITH THE MOTLEY FOOL

You missed Amazon… You don't have to again

Amazon, once a small online bookstore, grew into a global behemoth, transforming industries along the way. Now, imagine yourself at the forefront of the next revolution: AI. In The Motley Fool's latest report, uncover the parallels between Amazon's early trajectory and the current AI revolution.

RECOMMENDED READS

Cubic Measurement Calculator (CBM) Explained. Learn how to use a CBM calculator to simplify cargo planning, optimize container space, and reduce shipping costs effectively.

Top 10 Product Categories China Exports. Explore how China’s export powerhouse shapes global trade dynamics, top exported goods, and what it means for importers worldwide

Most Favored Nation (MFN) In International Trade Explained. Uncover the impact of Most Favored Nation (MFN) status on global trade, tariffs, and how it influences international business relations.

SHIPPING NEWS

US Ports Brace for New Strike Amid Rising Labor Tensions

Tensions are rising at US ports as the debate over semi-automated cranes intensifies, pushing the potential for another major labor strike to the forefront. Proposals to introduce semi-automated cranes at American ports, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing congestion, have ignited fierce opposition from labor unions, particularly the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The ILA argues that increased automation threatens job security and could lead to significant workforce reductions in an industry critical to many local economies.

Automation proponents, including the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), maintain that adopting these technologies is essential to keep US ports competitive and ensure smooth global trade. They argue that semi-automated cranes would allow for faster unloading, increased productivity, and reduced operational costs, a necessity as shipping volumes grow.

However, labor representatives view automation as a direct threat to dockworkers’ livelihoods. Their concerns led to a three-day strike in October 2024, where 45,000 dockworkers paused operations over fears about job losses. Although a tentative agreement was reached, it only temporarily extended the existing contract, leaving key automation issues unresolved as negotiations continue.

With the contract renewal deadline in January 2025 fast approaching, the risk of another strike is looming. Stakeholders worry that a prolonged strike could severely impact supply chains already under pressure, leading to potential delays, increased costs, and further congestion. For now, the future of US port operations hangs in the balance, as both sides seek a path forward that respects workers’ rights while adapting to technological advances.

TRIVIA

Which ancient trade route connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of silk, spices, and other goods?

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SHIPWRECK OF THE WEEK ⚓️☠️

Launched in 1963, the MV DoĂąa Paz was a Japanese-built passenger ferry that primarily served routes across the Philippines. Tragically, on December 20, 1987, while en route from Leyte to Manila, it collided with the oil tanker MT Vector in the Tablas Strait. The impact ignited a massive fire as the tanker’s fuel cargo spilled, engulfing both vessels. With inadequate safety measures and a lack of lifeboats, the disaster led to the loss of over 4,000 lives, marking it as the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history. Today, the wreck remains a somber reminder of maritime safety’s critical importance............................ Click to see Shipwreck đŸ‘€

TOOLS & RESOURCES

Thinking about sourcing directly from manufacturers at the Canton Fair? Explore our comprehensive course, Master Sourcing at the Canton Fair.

Need to calculate the volume or weight of your goods? Use our free CBM Calculators for Sea, Air, Land, Rail, and Courier.

Searching for shipping and export documents? Discover our free Template Gallery with 30+ UNLK-standard documents.

Trying to figure out the landed costs of your goods? Use our Landed Costs Calculator.

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