The Friday Report Blog: September 8th, 2023

Shopify and Amazon – Partnership Prime-d for Success!

Amazon and Shopify have teamed up, heralding a new era in their relationship. With the integration of Amazon’s “Buy with Prime” feature, Shopify aims to streamline the process for merchants on both platforms.

Previously, merchants juggled administrative tasks separately on each platform. Now, this partnership allows for an automatic synchronization of orders, promotions, catalog listings, and taxes within Shopify.

Peter Larsen, Amazon’s vice president of Buy with Prime, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting positive feedback from merchants and the benefits to Prime members. The move exemplifies the ongoing expansion of the Buy with Prime feature, which Amazon plans to offer to all U.S. merchants soon.

Vietnam’s Grain Markets Embrace the West

Great news for agricultural trade! Restrictions introduced in 2018 impacted Canada’s wheat exports to Vietnam, but things are looking up. From over 200,000 metric tons annually, the exports had decreased to about 20,000 metric tons in 2021.

However, with the easing of these restrictions, direct trade is set to flourish again between Canada and Vietnam. Cereals Canada’s CEO, Dean Dias, expressed optimism about renewed cereals trade.

While Australia remains Vietnam’s primary wheat supplier, the U.S. has seen growth in its exports to Vietnam recently. This development is anticipated to be particularly positive for Canadian wheat demand, heralding a promising phase in international agricultural trade!

Dave Clark’s Progressive Era and Peterson’s Comeback as Flexport CEO

In a progressive move, Flexport, established in 2013 as a freight movement solution, has evolved its e-commerce capabilities. Recently, under Dave Clark’s leadership, it acquired Shopify’s logistics division, which incorporates Deliverr, a fulfillment provider. This acquisition

solidifies Flexport’s commitment to streamlining the process from manufacturing to the customer.

Furthermore, Flexport tapped into the expertise of former Amazon and Uber Freight executive, Bill Driegert, to bolster its truck brokerage operation. Clark expressed pride in the company’s direction. However, with a change in vision and Clark’s departure, some speculate Flexport may reevaluate its recent acquisitions.

Industry expert Rick Watson highlighted the contrasting approaches of Flexport and Clark, suggesting their collaboration was a fusion of innovative virtual logistics and traditional infrastructure building.

SOURCE:

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/shopify-integrates-amazon-buy-with-prime/692738/

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/vietnam-lifts-restrictions-exports-canada-us-russia/692451/

https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/flexport-ceo-dave-clark-resigns-founder-ryan-petersen-takes-over/692956/