Daily Supply Chain News - 2026-02-13

Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Transportation
Welcome to today's supply chain update for February 13, 2026. As we move deeper into the year, the manufacturing and distribution sectors continue to navigate a complex landscape shaped by lingering effects from 2025's major disruptions, including tariffs, labor strikes, and unforeseen tragedies. Recent data shows a modest recovery in global trade volumes, but USA automotive manufacturing remains under pressure from elevated costs and delayed component deliveries. Our analysis highlights key trends impacting production lines and logistics networks.

Industry reports indicate a 3.2% uptick in U.S. port throughput this week compared to last, yet supply chain disruptions persist due to Red Sea rerouting and domestic labor tensions. Businesses are urged to monitor these developments closely for agile decision-making.

Electronics

The electronics sector is grappling with compounded challenges from 2025’s tariffs on Asian imports, which have driven up semiconductor prices by an average of 12% year-over-year. As of February 13, 2026, production at major U.S. facilities like those in Texas and Arizona has slowed, with delivery times for microchips extending to 18-22 weeks—up from 14 weeks in Q4 2025. This bottleneck is particularly acute for consumer gadgets and server components, where costs have risen 15%, squeezing margins for assemblers.

Distributors report a 7% increase in expedited shipping fees due to ongoing Red Sea diversions, forcing reliance on air freight. Long-term, companies are accelerating reshoring efforts, with Intel’s Ohio fab ramping up output ahead of schedule. However, short-term shortages could delay Q1 smartphone launches, impacting retail inventories.

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Automotive

USA automotive manufacturing faces its sternest test yet, with 2025’s UAW strikes and subsequent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports leading to a 5.8% drop in light vehicle production for January 2026, per S&P Global forecasts. Plants in Michigan and Ohio are operating at 82% capacity, hampered by battery component delays from Mexico and Canada. Delivery times for critical parts like wiring harnesses have ballooned to 10-12 weeks, inflating costs by 18% and prompting temporary shutdowns at Ford and GM facilities this week.

EV production is hit hardest, with lithium supply constraints pushing per-vehicle costs up $2,500. Distribution networks report 4-6 week delays in vehicle shipments to dealers, exacerbating inventory shortages amid rising consumer demand. Looking ahead, nearshoring to Mexico offers relief, but experts warn of retaliatory tariffs disrupting this shift.

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Construction

Construction supply chains are strained by escalated material costs following 2025 tragedies at key ports, which damaged infrastructure and delayed shipments. Steel prices have climbed 11% since January 1, 2026, with lead times for rebar and cement extending to 8 weeks due to Midwest flooding disruptions. U.S. projects, especially infrastructure builds under the IIJA, face 6-9% cost overruns, slowing commercial developments in the Southeast.

Logistics firms note a 22% rise in trucking rates from tariff-induced rerouting, impacting heavy equipment delivery. Production halts at quarries have tightened aggregate supplies, potentially delaying Q2 housing starts by 15%.

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Aerospace

The aerospace sector contends with titanium shortages exacerbated by 2025 tariffs on Russian imports, pushing prices up 20% and extending engine part deliveries to 26 weeks as of February 13, 2026. Boeing and Lockheed Martin report production delays of 10-15%, with commercial jet output at 85% capacity amid FAA-mandated inspections.

Distribution challenges include a 30% freight cost hike from Pacific rerouting, affecting MRO operations. Long-term, dual-sourcing from U.S. and European suppliers is gaining traction to mitigate geopolitical risks.

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Transportation

Transportation logistics are bottlenecked by rail strikes echoes from 2025 and port backlogs, with intermodal volumes down 4% week-over-week. Trucking capacity is tight at 92%, driving spot rates up 14% for Midwest routes critical to automotive distribution. Delivery times for containers have stretched to 21 days on East Coast ports.

Fuel costs, up 8% due to global tensions, compound issues, prompting carriers to impose surcharges. Recommendations include digital twin tech for route optimization.

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Chemicals

Chemicals production faces ethylene shortages from Gulf Coast weather events tied to 2025 tragedies, with prices surging 16% and lead times hitting 12 weeks. Automotive and electronics rely heavily on these inputs, facing 9% cost hikes. U.S. output is at 88% capacity, with distribution delays via rail adding 5-7 days.

Best practices: Diversify suppliers and stockpile strategically to buffer Q1 volatility.

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