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Tariff Tracker: Today Trump announced an intention to tariff countries that buy Venezuelan oil. Many countries do buy Venezuelan crude oil, with most of the recent growth in Asia. Our preliminary analysis suggests this is likely a threat, modeled after Trump’s prior negotiation with Colombia. In that case, he announced tariffs that would hurt the Colombia economy, secured cooperation from the Colombia government, and ultimately never imposed them. Trump's stated reason: Venezuela is allegedly sending criminals—including members of the Tren de Aragua gang, now labeled a terrorist group—to the U.S. The tariff, set at 25% and effective April 2, 2025, is meant to pressure Venezuela into repatriating gang members. Venezuelan crude exports have continued to be a smaller portion of global exports, now just 2.8% of OPEC’s total, but key buyers include China, Spain and even the U.S. The likely benefit of these countries receive buying cheaper Venezuelan crude will be outweighed by tariffs Trump is suggesting. Therefore, the tariff impact on manufacturing is unlikely to be massive. We will continue to monitor potential tariffs, this seems separate from the overall reciprocal tariff strategy focused on increasing manufacturing in the United States. However, with the U.S. now an oil exporter and increasing energy exports (exporting more than 7X what Venezuela does per day), Trump may also be seeking new opportunities for U.S. energy exports. We will host a tariff webinar for manufacturers on April 3rd following the April 2nd announcements. Comment for an invitation.

Future-Proofing Your Business with the Digital Battery Passport ? 2027 may seem far away, but companies that start preparing now for #EUBatteryRegulation will gain a competitive edge. ?- Early adopters will be ahead in compliance while others rush to catch up ?- DBP data will drive operational efficiencies and cost reductions ?- Businesses integrating DBP into circular strategies will unlock new opportunities in battery lifecycle management BASE EU: Battery Passport for Transparency & Circularity is ensuring the DBP becomes a key tool for industry transformation. At Seraph., we support companies in navigating new regulations while leveraging DBP data for supply chain and operational improvements.?Follow BASE EU: Battery Passport for Transparency & CircularitySeraph. to stay ahead in the evolving battery landscape and follow Seraph. for automotive manufacturing trends. #BASEProject #DigitalBatteryPassport #DBP #Catalyst #Enabler

Standard Work Instructions are essential for efficiency, quality, and compliance—yet too many manufacturers neglect them, leading to costly errors and production inefficiencies. Is it time to update yours??Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTDN2QkR ? Looking to improve performance? Seraph. can help. #Seraph #OperationalExcellence #MedTech

How Does the Digital Battery Passport create value across industries? By Acting as a Business Enabler. ? For OEMs & battery manufacturers: DBP ensures full traceability and streamlines compliance efforts ? For recyclers & second-life operators: DBP simplifies repurposing decisions with clear battery health & composition data ? For fleet & energy storage operators: DBP optimises battery performance, extending lifetimes and reducing costs BASE EU: Battery Passport for Transparency & Circularity is working with industry stakeholders to ensure the DBP creates real, measurable value across the battery lifecycle. At Seraph., we focus on bridging compliance with operational excellence, helping businesses integrate DBP insights into manufacturing, supply chain, and resource efficiency strategies. Follow Seraph. & BASE EU: Battery Passport for Transparency & Circularity for updates on how the DBP will transform the industry. #BASEProject #DigitalBatteryPassport #Catalyst #Enabler #CircularEconomy #BatteryInnovation

Seraph. is hosting Tariff Webinar for Manufacturing CEOs: Responding to Reciprocal Tariffs. Make sure to attend it on April 3.

Join Ambrose Conroy to navigate Trump's reciprocal tariffs, effective April 2. Seraph. will break down the tariffs from the prior day, and provide strategic frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and competitive insights for manufacturing executives. Secure your spot and receive our tariff impact deck via email following the briefing. Even if you cannot make it, all registrants will receive a copy of the pdf reviewed during this call. #tariffs #globaltariffday #supplychain #manufacturing

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day from Seraph's Dublin office in Merrion Square! Wishing our team, clients, and partners a meaningful St. Patrick's Day celebration. Between the joy and parades, today recognizes the inspiring impact of transformational leadership, resilience, and community-building of Ireland's world-famous patron saint. #StPatricksDay #SeraphDublin Seraph.

The last thing any medical device manufacturer wants is an FDA consent decree. Preventing this starts with understanding the right lead and lag indicators. ? Identifying these key metrics in your manufacturing plant can be the first step toward meaningful improvement.? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gg9Z8vMg ? Ready to optimize your operations??Seraph. can help. #Seraph #OperationalExcellence #MedTech

The #DigitalBatteryPassport – A Business Asset, Not Just a Requirement Many see the EU Digital Battery Passport (DBP) as just a compliance tool—but it’s also a business #enabler. By integrating real-time battery insights into a single digital record, the DBP supports, among others: ? Procurement & supply chain optimization ? Easier second-life applications & resale opportunities ? More cost-effective recycling & materials recovery ? Seraph. and the other members of the BASE EU: Battery Passport for Transparency & Circularity consortium are working to make the DBP a catalyst for efficiency, traceability, and innovation—not just another regulatory checkbox. https://lnkd.in/e8B2_UyP ? #BASEProject #DigitalBatteryPassport #CircularEconomy #Catalyst #Enabler

Auto loan risk is intensifying as subprime delinquency rates hit record highs and recovery rates are now tracking below the lower bounds of the 2010s. Rising vehicle ownership costs—including high loan rates, steep insurance premiums, and elevated repair/maintenance expenses, are stressing consumers and pressuring the broader auto market. This will likely impact 2025 sales volumes and pricing power in the industry. Subprime Delinquency: Fitch Ratings data show they are the highest since they started tracking this data set (subprime is defined as less than a 640 credit score) Prime Delinquency: seeing mild increases, a much better picture than subprime Some contributing factors: ??? High Vehicle Sticker Prices & Financing Costs: while 2024 prices did not grow rapidly like 2021-2023, average weeks of income in the US needed to buy a new vehicle is 38 weeks vs. only ~34 weeks pre-2020 ??? Rising Ownership Costs: insurance premiums and repair/maintenance expenses are compounding, ---- According to FRED's Producer Price Index Premiums for Private Passenger Auto Insurance, the index is up 21.5% from January 2021 ---- According to FRED's Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair in U.S. City Average is up 35% from January 2021 ?? Stimulus Is Gone: the 2020 infusions of cash into consumer pockets have been spent through, now consumers are facing inflation and higher interest rates (credit card payment delinquencies at at 13 year highs) Follow Ambrose Conroy and Seraph. for our next automotive report out next month.