Dynamo Dispatch (2025/08/11)

Issue 341 | Lyric, OpenMind, Raise Robotics

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Weekly Commentary 💭

This week’s headlines capture a logistics landscape in flux, from Mexico growing its share of US auto imports despite tariffs, to Washington rolling out hefty new port fees on Chinese ships. We’re tracking game-changing tech shifts like Denmark’s remote ship piloting trials, the FAA’s push for routine BVLOS drone flights, and Trump’s “build here, pay less” chip tariff exemptions. On the trade front, Cosco is muscling into a $23B global ports deal, Red Sea lanes are cautiously reopening, and tariff crackdowns plus shifting cargo control are reshaping the trans-Pacific. Through it all, carriers, manufacturers, and shippers are adapting fast—navigating policy shocks while chasing long-term opportunities.

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⭐ Mexico’s Market Share of US Auto Imports Keeps Growing Despite Tariffs and Trade Uncertainty. Despite a drop in total US automotive imports due to new tariffs, Mexico increased its share of the US auto import market to 39.4% in the first half of 2025, far surpassing Japan, Canada, and South Korea. While Mexican auto exports to the US fell 3% YoY, and parts and specialty vehicle exports also declined, the country still exported $85.7B worth of automotive goods to its northern neighbor. Industry experts warn that Mexico’s auto exports—over 85% of which go to the US—could fall by 12% for the year, though most parts manufacturers remain USMCA-compliant and exempt from the harshest tariff impacts. Completely unrelated, Little Caesars Offers Robotic Delivery in LA with Serve.

US Customs to Enforce Port Fees on Chinese Ships as Washington Gears Up for October Rollout. US Customs and Border Protection will collect new port fees on Chinese-owned or -operated vessels starting October 14, with non-payment potentially resulting in bans on cargo operations or withheld departure clearance. The fees, starting at $50 per net tonne in 2025 and rising to $140 by 2028, could cost a 10,000 TEU containership $3.5M initially, escalating to $9.M, while vessels merely built in China face lower charges and most tankers and bulkers are exempt. Industry observers warn the levies will raise operating and logistics costs, add contractual uncertainty, and could impact trade, as negotiations over a broader Sino-US trade deal continue. Related, Chinese Carriers Rejig Schedules to Avoid US Port Calls as Fees Loom.

Remote Work Comes to Piloting Ships. Denmark is testing remote pilotage technology that lets marine pilots guide ships from shore by accessing real-time navigation data, aiming to improve safety, reduce costs, cut emissions, and address a pilot shortage. While supporters see it as a way to modernize operations and expand pilot capacity, skeptics and unions raise concerns about safety, job losses, and the commercialization of pilotage services. DanPilot, leading the trial, hopes to roll out the system by late 2026 and is also testing drones for enhanced visibility, with its CEO emphasizing this as “a transformation of the job” rather than a replacement for pilots.

Maersk Brushes Off US Tariffs to Lift Outlook. AP Møller-Maersk has raised its profit forecast and upgraded its container demand outlook, citing strong trade flows from China to Europe, Latin America, and Asia offsetting weakness in the US market. CEO Vincent Clerc said, “The rest of the world is more than compensating for weakness in the US… it is important to remember that 85% of container traffic is not to and from the US,” adding that tariffs could create new opportunities as Maersk expands its integrated logistics services. Despite US trade barriers reaching historic highs, Maersk sees “very resilient demand” in sectors like EVs and renewable energy, with Clerc noting that disruption “will unlock opportunities for us in the medium and long term.” For more, Maersk Raises Full-Year Guidance Amid Volatile External Environment.

China’s Cosco Seeks At Least 20% as Beijing Reshapes $23B Panama Ports Deal. China’s state-owned Cosco is pushing to secure a 20–30% stake in CK Hutchison’s $23B sale of 43 ports—two of which are in the Panama Canal—after Beijing objected to the original deal led by BlackRock and MSC, causing their exclusive negotiating window to expire. Beijing’s stance means Cosco is the only Chinese firm allowed in the talks, giving it significant leverage, as any buyer will need Chinese partnership to secure regulatory approval. The restructuring under discussion could see Cosco gain stakes in most ports except the two in Panama, while other potential bidders like CMA CGM are unlikely to proceed without Cosco’s involvement.

Red Sea ‘Revival’ Taking Place as Regional Carriers Lead the Way. Red Sea container flows are cautiously returning — eeSea says unique service versions doubled from 8 to 16 since Q3’24, with planned capacity up 54% to ~104k TEU in August. The rebound is led by China/Mideast/India carriers on Asia–ME and a few Asia–Europe Suez loops, while majors like CMA CGM still gate transits after July’s deadly bulker attacks. Bottom line, expect incremental capacity and some transit relief on ME/Med lanes, but no 2025 “normal”—security/insurance risk keeps rates and reliability volatile. Related, Maersk Ship Collided with Car Carrier North of Funen.

Trump Exempts Tech Companies That Invest in US From 100% Chip Tariffs. Trump said imported chips will face steep tariffs but firms that commit to US manufacturing will be exempt—rolled out alongside Apple’s new $100B pledge—extending the leeway Tim Cook has secured before and easing immediate trade pain for electronics makers. Apple touted more US components (including Corning glass via a $2.5B investment) and a new program to onshore parts of its chip supply chain, as Nvidia and others press their own investment-for-access cases. The takeaway: a de facto “build here, pay less” regime that benefits cash-rich incumbents and cushions near-term margins, while core assembly and exposure to China/India policy swings largely remain. Related, The Tariff Effect: Billions in Revenue but No Economic Earthquake.

FAA Publishes BVLOS NPRM: A Watershed Moment for the Drone Industry. The FAA proposed a long-awaited rule to allow routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights, moving beyond today’s reliance on limited waivers. The draft outlines safety requirements, operator training/certification, and how these flights would share airspace, and it’s now open for public comment. If adopted, it would enable scaled operations—such as infrastructure inspections, agriculture monitoring, and medical deliveries—and likely channel investment toward operators with proven safety systems and clear certification plans. Related, Introducing The FAA’s BVLOS NPRM to Unleash US Drone Dominance.

Trade Expert Predicts 200% Surge in Tariff-Fraud Crackdowns. A new round of US tariffs took effect Thursday, and trade expert Rennie Alston warned that enforcement is ramping up as every importer pays more. The Department of Justice is increasingly taking cases referred by US Customs and Border Protection, which is scrutinizing valuation, country of origin (including transshipment), and flagging “Modified Delivery Duty Paid” schemes that shift the importer of record. Essentially, compliance risk and costs are rising—verify origin, reject MDDP arrangements, and tighten classifications and documentation to avoid fines that can exceed the value of the goods. Related, America Is Making Billions From Catching 'Tariff Cheaters'.

Tariff Realities Prompt Growth in ‘Origin-Controlled’ Cargo on Trans-Pacific. Trans-Pacific spot cargo is increasingly controlled at origin as US tariffs and freight-rate volatility push shippers toward DDP/CIF terms, helped by carriers’ online booking channels. Forwarders and retailers report a clear shift in recent months, with big-box buyers toggling terms to offload duty and capacity risk, and Chinese brands going global taking control of ocean moves from Asia. Control is shifting upstream to exporters, narrowing US importers’ contract leverage and rewiring how price, risk, and visibility are managed across the trans-Pacific. Related, Nothing Can Stop Falling Trans-Pacific Container Rates.

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The Future of Supply Chain 🎙️

Check out our podcast series that’s been running since 2018. On each episode of the Future of Supply Chain, we sit down with a different entrepreneur, investor, or industry veteran to discuss innovation, technology, and the most exciting opportunities in supply chain as we build the future of the industry together.

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Fundraises and M&A 💸

HYLENR Raises $3M in Pre-Series A Funding. HYLENR develops low energy nuclear reaction technology to deliver carbon-free energy systems for industrial heat and power applications. The funds will be used to accelerate the transition of its products from pilot projects to market launch. The round was led by Valour Capital and Chhattisgarh Investments Ltd, with participation from individual investors Karthik Sundar Iyer and Anant Sarda.

Bisly Raises €4.3M in Funding. Bisly provides a plug-and-play, AI-powered smart building automation platform with integrated hardware/software and digital-twin control for energy-efficient management across residential and commercial properties. Proceeds will fund expansion in the DACH region and the UK, as well as go-to-market and hiring in key markets. The round was led by 2C Ventures, with participation from Aconterra, Pinorena, the founders of Foxway, and SmartCap’s Green Fund.

EVeez Raises $5.4M in Series A Funding. EVeez operates an electric mobility-as-a-service platform offering subscription-based electric two-wheelers for gig economy workers, bundled with insurance, repairs, battery swaps, and training. The funding will be used to expand into new cities, enhance operational infrastructure, and support more low-income workers entering the gig economy. The round was led by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, with participation from Caret Capital, ThinKuvate, Ev2 Ventures, Barbershop With Shantanu, SailThru Ventures, and Ah Ventures Fund.

Raise Robotics Raises $7.8M in Seed Funding. Raise Robotics develops a multipurpose robotic platform for construction sites, capable of performing high-risk tasks such as facade panel bracket installation, laser measurement near edges, and hammer drilling. The funds will be used to deploy more robots with existing customers and develop a modular version adaptable to lifts for expanded site reach. The round was led by MaC Venture Capital with participation from Undivided Ventures, Cybernetix Ventures, Zacua Ventures, and Union Labs.

Orbital Operations Raises $8.8M in Seed Funding. Orbital Operations is building a hydrogen-fueled spacecraft designed to transport cargo and refuel satellites in orbit. The funding will support development of its active cooling technology to prevent propellant boil-off, enabling indefinite orbital loitering. The round was led by Initialized Capital with participation from Harpoon Ventures, DTX Ventures, Rebel Fund, TRAC VC, Karman Ventures, and Immad Akhund.

Jeh Aerospace Raises $11M in Series A Funding. Jeh Aerospace specializes in aerospace and defense manufacturing, leveraging software-defined manufacturing technology to deliver flight-critical components with speed and quality. The funding will be used to expand its operations and global presence. The round was led by Elevation Capital with participation from General Catalyst.

FORT Robotics Raises Additional $18.9M in Series B Funding. FORT Robotics provides a robotics control and safety platform enabling secure remote and fleet control for autonomous systems across industrial environments. Proceeds will enhance products, build next-generation safety, and accelerate growth and deployments. The round was led by Tiger Global, with participation from Prime Movers Lab, Mark Cuban, FundersClub, Creative Ventures, GRIDS Capital, Ahoy Capital, Neman Ventures, Mana Ventures, Gaingels, and Ryuu Co.

OpenMind Raises $20M in Funding. OpenMind is building a hardware-agnostic intelligence infrastructure for robots. The funds will scale engineering and partnerships across sectors including autonomous transport, elder care, and smart manufacturing. The round was led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Ribbit, Coinbase Ventures, Lightspeed Faction, DCG, Pebblebed, Topology, Primitive Ventures, Anagram, HSG, and notable angels.

DISA Technologies Raises $30M in Series A2 Funding. DISA develops High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) systems for critical mineral recovery and uranium mine-waste remediation. The funding will scale operations and accelerate commercial deployment of HPSA units across mining and AUM cleanup. The round was led by Evok Innovations with Constellation Technology Ventures, with participation from Valor Equity Partners, Veriten, and existing backers including Halliburton Labs.

Lyric Raises $43.5M in Series B Funding. Lyric provides an AI-driven supply chain optimization platform for modeling, planning, and operating logistics to improve inventory and transportation decisions. Proceeds will accelerate the product roadmap, expand reusable supply chain logic, and enhance AI-based automation, while growing the team. The round was led by Insight Partners, with participation from Primary Venture Partners, Permanent Capital Ventures, VMG Partners, PSP Growth, and NewBuild Venture Capital.

Descartes Systems Group Acquires Finale Inventory for up to $55M. Finale Inventory provides a cloud-based multi-channel inventory management platform with real-time sync across ecommerce marketplaces, shipping solutions, and accounting systems. The acquisition expands Descartes’ ecommerce suite to help merchants improve visibility, prevent overselling, and automate operations as they scale. Descartes paid approximately $40M in cash upfront, with up to $15M in performance-based earn-out tied to revenue targets over the first two years, payable in fiscal 2027 and 2028.

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