Supply Chains in Crisis

Elon Musk’s Shanghai Outlook Belies Supply Chain Snarls

April 21, 2022

Elon Musk says Tesla’s Shanghai factory is “back with a vengeance” after a three-week Covid-induced shutdown. But his bullishness belies concern the plant has only enough components to last about a week even at reduced capacity — highlighting the challenges snarled supply chains pose to manufacturers.

Texas Governor’s Border Slowdown Cost $4 Billion, Research Shows

April 21, 2022

Bloomberg

Texas’s economy took a more than $4 billion hit in April after Governor Greg Abbott’s order to ramp up on security at the border resulted in shipping delays and bridge blockades, according to a new analysis.

Shanghai Factory Restarts Fall Short on Lack of Parts, Truckers

April 19, 2022

Bloomberg

Even those companies in China whose factories are operating under so-called closed-loop systems may be forced to stop work due to parts shortages or logistical challenges that make moving people and goods around the country near impossible.

VIDEO

Watch: Moving From Tactical to Strategic in Times of Crisis

April 19, 2022

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Angela Robine, director of strategy-supply chain with VF Corp., talks about the challenge of taking the long view at a time when so many companies are struggling merely to survive.

When Will Manufacturers Act to Diversify Raw-Material Supply?

April 18, 2022

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

At a time when supply chain experts are preaching the benefits of diversified sourcing, an alarmingly small number of manufacturers seem to be practicing it.

Shanghai Unveils Business Restart Plan on Supply Chain Woes

April 17, 2022

Bloomberg

Shanghai published plans to resume work in the city after weeks of COVID-19 lockdown snarled supply chains and dealt a blow to the Chinese economy.

Produce Worth Millions Gets Stuck in Blockade by Mexico Truckers

April 14, 2022

Bloomberg

Grocery stores in some parts of the U.S. are expected to run out of certain perishable goods Easter weekend because of a Mexican truckers’ blockade that has stranded millions of dollars worth of fresh produce.

Less Hiring, More Re-Skilling: The Long-Term Solution to Supply Chain's Labor Problem

April 14, 2022

Chris Jones, SCB Contributor

The competition to find workers has moved beyond traditional supply chain roles, with virtually everyone trying to hire.

Here’s How China’s Lockdowns Are Rippling Through Economy

April 14, 2022

Bloomberg

China’s lockdowns to contain the country’s worst Covid outbreak since early 2020 have battered the economy, stalling production in major cities like Shanghai and adding pressure to global inflation.

Russia’s War Supercharges Push to Make New Green Fuel

April 12, 2022

Bloomberg

Europe’s push to wean itself off Russian natural gas is sparking billions of dollars in new commitments toward building a market for low-carbon hydrogen.