Tropical Logistics Growth
International logistics company DP World is establishing a new free trade zone at the Port of Caucedo in the Dominican Republic. The FTZ will encompass over 555 acres at the port, whose presence will increase current twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) capacity from 2.5 million to 3.1 million. Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding, DP World will invest $760 million in the project, spending $380 million on port expansions and $380 million to prepare the FTZ site. “By boosting capacity and enabling nearshoring opportunities, we will transform Caucedo into the most advanced logistics hub in the Caribbean,” said DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, “not only strengthening supply chain resilience across the Americas but also creating a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation in the Dominican Republic.”
The new Cariflex production facility created 80 new jobs in the region.
Photo courtesy of Cariflex
Demands Covered in Singapore
In May 2025, leading polyisoprene rubber latex manufacturer Cariflex officially inaugurated its new $355 million Singapore production facility. The investment supported the build-out of the world’s largest polyisoprene latex plant, covering the company’s 15-acre site. This facility will aid in meeting increased demand for synthetic latex in Southeast Asia, used in medical gloves, adhesives and laminates. “We have strategically located our new facility here in Singapore, at the doorstep of our key customers,” said Cariflex CEO Ryu Sang Woo. “Singapore’s thriving financial, innovation and logistics hubs, along with a highly skilled workforce and strong IP protection, made this the ideal choice for our investment.” In preparation for future growth, the facility has been designed for modular expansion.
Experts note that India could become responsible for 15% to 20% of total iPhone production, up from 10% to 15% currently.
Photo courtesy of Foxconn
Foxconn Shifts Chips to India
In an effort to ease challenges associated with new tariffs placed on China-made goods, Foxconn has decided to increase activity in India. The electronics manufacturer received approval from the Indian government in May 2025 for a $433 million joint venture semiconductor facility. Partnering with India-based information technology company HCL Group, the company will construct the plant in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Once complete in 2027, the facility will produce display driver chips used in products such as phones and computers. Foxconn is one of Apple’s key suppliers and the new facility will support the company global supply chain. The company anticipates the facility will have a production capacity of 20,000 wafers and 36 million display driver chips per month.
Italy is moving forward with innovative high-speed transportation system infrastructure development in the Veneto region.
Photo courtesy of HyperloopTT
Time To Build
In June 2025, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies announced completion of a feasibility study as part of the company’s greater plan to construct the world’s first commercial hyperloop system in Italy. The high-speed transportation system will connect Venice and neighboring Mestre to the northern Italy city of Padua. The project will now move into construction of its first test track that will span 6 miles between Padua and Venice. The goal is to assess the effectiveness and safety of every aspect of this technology, which has been in development for over a decade. Each passenger capsule can support up to 38 passengers, while cargo capsules can hold up to 12 tons. HyperloopTT’s systems are expected to significantly reduce the region’s traffic, energy consumption and emissions produced by vehicles.
