Industrial & Commodity Supply Chain Daily Brief — 2026-06-15

1. Commodities Market Trends

• Crude Oil (WTI/Brent): The signing of the US-Iran peace deal has pushed oil prices down by over $4. Expectations of increased supply following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are pressuring the market. Investors are watching closely to see how quickly Middle Eastern oil producers can resume production.

• Gold (Au): Gold prices rose by more than 2% immediately following the announcement of the US-Iran peace deal. Easing inflation concerns due to falling oil prices and a lower probability of interest rate hikes have enhanced gold’s appeal.

• Nickel: Prices are trading in the $18,500–$19,250 per ton range as of June, supported by reduced mining licenses in Indonesia and China's suspension of sulfate exports.

• Copper: Tensions persist between macroeconomic concerns and tariff support, with fears of interest rate hikes constraining demand for industrial metals.

2. Supply Chain Issues

• Electronics component shortages in India due to Persian Gulf shipping crisis: Indian electronics manufacturers are facing severe shortages of essential parts like microprocessors and batteries due to shipping delays caused by vessel shortages. Companies are frequently adjusting delivery schedules to secure supply chain stability.

• Korean battery equipment manufacturers expand into India: Through collaborations with entities linked to SK On and Tata Agratas, Korean battery equipment manufacturers are expanding their supply to EV battery production lines in India. This suggests that the global battery supply chain is shifting from the planning stage to the initial manufacturing stage.

• Stricter international regulations for lithium battery shipping: As 2026 international maritime regulations for lithium batteries tighten regarding IATA/IMDG compliance, packaging standards, and UK/EU tariff requirements, logistics experts are warning of the need for extreme caution to avoid fines for non-compliance.

1 sources

m.economictimes.com

m.economictimes.com

3. Core Industry Trends

Secondary Batteries & Electric Vehicles

• DHL significantly expands new energy logistics infrastructure: As part of its Strategy 2030 announced in the fall of 2024, DHL Group has designated the new energy sector as a growth area and invested heavily in its global logistics capabilities.

• Chery, Ceva Logistics, and CMA CGM sign long-term strategic partnership: Chinese automaker Chery has signed a memorandum of understanding with logistics firm Ceva Logistics and CMA CGM to strengthen its global supply chain and push for international expansion.

1 sources

group.dhl.com

group.dhl.com

Semiconductors

• Semiconductor supply chain restructuring accelerates: Diversification of the semiconductor supply chain is underway globally as governments and companies rethink chip manufacturing regions. In particular, the US, EU, South Korea, and Taiwan are investing in expanding domestic production.

4. Corporate Moves

• Woodside Energy clarifies that no deal with Exxon Mobil is in progress: Australian firm Woodside Energy stated that there are no proposals or ongoing discussions regarding a deal with US energy major Exxon Mobil, countering recent media reports.

5. Today's Insights

The US-Iran peace deal has brought about rapid changes in the global commodity market. The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz offers Middle Eastern oil producers a chance to recover from war-related damage and resume output. While this is expected to keep downward pressure on oil prices in the short term, actual production recovery is likely to take several months.

Meanwhile, the component shortage faced by Indian electronics manufacturers highlights the real-world impact of the shipping crisis on global supply chains. As companies from South Korea and other nations actively participate in building India's EV supply chain, the restructuring of supply chains within Asia is accelerating. This trend is expected to lead to a geopolitical realignment of the global battery and semiconductor industries over the coming years.

6. What to Watch Next

• Announcement of mine clearance and detailed reopening plans for the Strait of Hormuz: Japanese shipping companies are awaiting details on the US-Iran peace deal and the schedule for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which will be a key variable in determining global oil price trends.

• Momentum for electrification transition by 2035: A survey of business leaders across 18 countries shows that most expect to have their operations largely electrified by 2035, which is likely to significantly boost demand for batteries and new energy.

• Mongolia pushes to increase coal and mineral exports to China: Resource-rich Mongolia aims to increase trade with China by more than 10% this year, which is expected to impact the Asian commodity supply chain.

7. Reader Action Items

1. Monitor the Strait of Hormuz reopening schedule: Oil and chemical companies should watch for the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf and plan long-term contract renewals based on projected production recovery dates.

2. Review investment in Southeast Asian battery supply chains: Track moves to expand EV battery manufacturing facilities in India and other Southeast Asian countries, and evaluate investment opportunities from a supply chain diversification perspective.

3. Prepare for the 2035 electrification trend: As corporate moves to meet 2035 electrification goals accelerate, battery and power infrastructure suppliers should establish capacity expansion plans to prepare for increased demand.

Source Policy: All figures, company names, and contracts in this briefing are cited exclusively from the source text mentioned above. No information outside of the research results is included.