A partnership signed between Japan and the U.S. won’t yield a trade deal but could deliver improved supply chain security in critical minerals, semiconductor equipment and large batteries. India is running short of key vaccine ingredients. Also: PPG Industries pencils in price rises as paint supply chains dry up; Kansas City Southern expects autos microchip problem to reverse in H2’21; Mexican gas surge illustrates challenges of currency manipulation assessments; Boris cancels big India trip, trade deal on hold; and Dublin counts port cost of Brexit, raises asymmetric customs issue.