Global Supply Chain Management

U.S. Supply Chain Pressures Soar to a Record, Index Shows

April 6, 2022

A measure of U.S. supply chain pressures rose to a record, adding to already stiff inflationary headwinds from logistics amid dwindling warehouse space and unprecedented inventory costs.

Supply Chain Design: Making the Transition From Project to Process

April 6, 2022

Steve Johanson, SCB Contributor

Supply chain design was once seen as an activity to be endured every few years — a strategic exercise that wasn’t tied to operations. Now, however, competitive companies are realizing that every decision they make should be used as an opportunity to improve the configuration and use of their networks.

Metals Industry Agonizes Over War But Keeps Buying From Russia

April 5, 2022

Bloomberg

Behind-closed-doors discussions reflect a wide angst over whether to keep buying from Russia, as the industry weighs the stigma from the war against its own commercial interests — and the fact that vital metals like aluminum and copper were in short supply even before the invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine Sunflower Oil Crisis Hits Food From Chips to Cookies

April 4, 2022

Bloomberg

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the supply of almost half of the world’s sunflower oil exports, forcing companies to turn to less desirable alternatives such as palm oil in products ranging from potato chips to cookies.

Tesla Dodges Nickel Crisis With Secret Deal to Get Supplies

March 31, 2022

Bloomberg

The invasion of Ukraine has added to agita among electric-vehicle makers over the supply of nickel, a critical ingredient in EV batteries, since Russia is one of the world’s biggest producers.

World’s Top Carmakers Feeling Full Force of China Covid Stance

March 31, 2022

Bloomberg

Slammed by the long-running chip shortage and surging materials prices, global automakers are now facing a new threat — lockdowns in some of China’s biggest cities.

Logistics Automation, Digitization Move From Luxury to Necessity: MODEX 2022

March 30, 2022

SupplyChainBrain

ATLANTA—Follow SupplyChainBrain this week at MODEX 2022, and read daily highlights from the show.

World Moves From Shortages to Possible Glut of COVID-19 Vaccines

March 30, 2022

Bloomberg

After racing to build capacity and meet once seemingly insatiable orders for COVID-19 shots, the global vaccine industry is facing waning demand as many late-to-market producers fight over a slowing market.

Ukraine War, China Lockdowns Hit Global Supply Chains

March 29, 2022

Bloomberg

Global supply strains that started to ease in early 2022 are worsening again as headwinds strengthen from the war in Ukraine and China’s Covid lockdowns, threatening slower growth and faster inflation across the global economy.

War Dims Global Business Outlook as Inflation Plight Worsens

March 25, 2022

Bloomberg

Factories from Australia to Europe are seeing already surging costs jump further as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the barrage of sanctions rolled out in response roil commodity markets and trade.