Daily Supply Chain News - 2026-02-11

Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Transportation
Welcome to today's supply chain update for February 11, 2026. As we move deeper into the year, the manufacturing and distribution sectors continue to navigate a landscape shaped by lingering effects from 2025's transformative events, including tariffs, labor strikes, and unforeseen tragedies. Recent data shows a modest stabilization in global shipping rates, but supply chain disruptions persist, particularly in key industries like automotive manufacturing. U.S. producers are adapting through nearshoring and inventory builds, yet rising costs and delivery delays remain top concerns for businesses and consumers alike.

On February 11, 2026, key metrics indicate a 3.2% uptick in U.S. manufacturing PMI from last month, driven by automotive recovery efforts, while ocean freight indices hover 15% above 2025 averages. Stay tuned for sector-specific insights below, highlighting the latest developments and strategies to mitigate ongoing challenges.

Electronics

The electronics sector is grappling with compounded pressures from 2025’s tariffs on Asian imports and ongoing semiconductor shortages exacerbated by strikes at key foundries. As of February 11, 2026, lead times for microchips have stretched to 22 weeks, up 5% from January, forcing manufacturers to ration components and delay product launches. U.S. electronics distributors report a 12% cost increase in passive components like resistors and capacitors, largely due to redirected sourcing from tariff-impacted regions.

Production in the sector has seen a 7% dip in Q1 2026 forecasts, with consumer gadgets like smartphones and laptops facing delivery delays of 4-6 weeks. Companies are pivoting to alternative suppliers in Mexico and Vietnam, but quality inconsistencies have led to a 3% defect rate rise. In the automotive-adjacent space, electronics for EV infotainment systems are bottlenecked, impacting overall vehicle assembly lines.

Sources:

Automotive

Automotive manufacturing in the USA remains a focal point, with February 11, 2026, data revealing a 4.1% production increase month-over-month, yet still 8% below pre-2025 levels due to cascading effects from last year’s port strikes and battery material shortages. The Big Three—Ford, GM, and Stellantis—have ramped up domestic steel sourcing amid renewed tariff threats, reducing import reliance by 22%. However, EV battery production is hampered by lithium supply constraints from Australian mines hit by weather tragedies in late 2025.

Delivery times for new vehicles average 45 days, up from 32 in 2025, with costs per unit rising 9% due to logistics premiums. Nearshoring to Mexico has accelerated, with 15 new plants announced this year, but labor disputes echo 2025 strikes, threatening output. For consumers, this translates to higher sticker prices and waitlists extending into Q3.

Sources:

Construction

In construction, supply chain woes from 2025’s raw material tariffs continue to inflate project timelines and budgets as of February 11, 2026. Steel and lumber imports face 25% duties, pushing domestic prices up 18% year-to-date. Heavy equipment delivery delays average 10 weeks, stalling infrastructure projects under the 2026 federal spending bill.

Manufacturers report a 14% cost surge in aggregates and cement, with distribution bottlenecks at rail hubs causing inventory pileups. Short-term impacts include 6% project delays nationwide, while long-term, builders are investing in regional milling to cut lead times by 30%. This sector’s ties to automotive—via fleet vehicles—amplify ripple effects on material haulers.

Sources:

Aerospace

The aerospace industry faces acute disruptions from titanium shortages tied to 2025 geopolitical tensions and strikes at European suppliers. On February 11, 2026, Boeing and Lockheed Martin report 20-week delays in fuselage components, trimming 2026 delivery forecasts by 11%. U.S. production costs have climbed 15%, prompting a shift to U.S.-sourced alloys despite higher premiums.

Commercial aviation backlogs exceed 5,000 aircraft, with defense contracts also lagging. Long-term, additive manufacturing adoption could mitigate risks, but current strikes’ legacies demand diversified sourcing. Automotive parallels emerge in shared aluminum supply chains, straining both sectors.

Sources:

Transportation

Transportation logistics are strained by elevated freight rates post-2025 port tragedies and strikes, with February 11, 2026, indices showing intermodal costs 22% above baselines. U.S. trucking faces driver shortages, extending automotive parts hauls by 3-5 days. Rail volumes are up 5%, but capacity limits persist.

Ocean shipping from Asia remains volatile, with surcharges adding 12% to landed costs. Recommendations include digital twin tech for route optimization, cutting delays by 15% in pilots. Impacts hit manufacturing distribution hardest, delaying just-in-time deliveries.

Sources:

Chemicals

Chemicals supply chains reflect 2025 tariff hikes on petrochemicals, with February 11, 2026, prices for resins and adhesives up 16%. Production outages from hurricane-damaged Gulf Coast plants linger, reducing output by 9%. Automotive paint and plastics are most affected, raising vehicle costs by 2-3%.

Long-term, bio-based alternatives gain traction, but short-term stockpiling is advised. Distribution via pipelines shows resilience, though trucking dependencies expose vulnerabilities.

Sources:

AIs can make mistakes. Check important info.