Procurement

'Economic nationalism' is a growing challenge for manufacturers, survey says

The Brexit vote in the UK and the 'US administration’s policies reflecting a shift towards nationalism' are ranked right alongside natural disasters as supply chain disruptor in a new study.

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 13, 2018
Mondelez cuts ties with 12 palm oil suppliers, citing deforestation

The food giant recognizes a "gap" between its current palm oil supply chain state and its goal of 100% sustainability and transparency.

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 13, 2018
Nestlé launches helpline to combat labor issues in palm oil supply chain

While palm oil offers greater yield and lower production costs, the industry is under fire for environmental and human rights concerns.

By Barry Hochfelder • Nov. 09, 2018
Amid tariff rush, China's exports to US grow 13%

Analysts expect front-loading to continue through the end of the year, as U.S. businesses rush to import before tariffs rise to 25% in 2019.

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 09, 2018
CPG companies need close partnerships, clear ROI to 'win' in emerging markets

Far too often supply chain management is a passive participant in servicing the customer when they need to be an active one.

By Rich Weissman • Nov. 08, 2018
US businesses paid 'unprecedented' $4.4B in tariffs in September

The figure represents a 54% year over year increase, despite import value rising by just 10%.

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 07, 2018
Procurement and IT band together as digital initiatives grow

The two departments are increasingly sharing the task of sourcing new technology and adding touch points, according to a new survey.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 06, 2018
Tariffs push PriceSmart to shift distribution model

The big box retailer is opening a distribution center in Costa Rica, as Miami has become less cost efficient for importing goods from China.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 05, 2018
Tariffs threaten The Container Store's turnaround

The retailer says it is working to mitigate the impact of new tariffs on Chinese goods, which made up 37% of its products last year.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 02, 2018
Column
US elections: Just another flawed supply chain?

If your supply chain ran an election, would everyone get to vote?

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 02, 2018
A new pacific trade deal will enter force Dec. 30

The CPTPP includes 11 of the 13 countries that originally formed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, before the U.S. pulled out, and further promises to reshape supply chains in 2019.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 01, 2018
In latest bid to counter China, US blocks sales

The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday blocked U.S. companies from selling to Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit in an effort to counter intellectual property theft.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 31, 2018
First toilets, now engines: Aircraft supply chain can't keep pace with demand

The engines are just the latest holdup for an entire global industry struggling to keep up with unceasing demand.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Oct. 30, 2018
HP, Ikea join group organizing marine plastics supply chain

NextWave Plastics members commit to expanding sourcing of verified ocean-bound plastics from the countries hardest hit by marine plastic waste.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 29, 2018
Airbus hits snags with aircraft production, deliveries

In complex aviation supply chains, each link blames its suppliers for delays and OEMs can't seem to catch up.

By Barry Hochfelder • Oct. 25, 2018
Amid trade war, companies ponder pivoting away from China

While large companies have the ability — and agility — to change their sourcing processes, smaller and less sophisticated companies face much greater disruption in recalibrating their supply chains.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 25, 2018
Sears owes these 7 suppliers — and many more — millions in payments

Vendors are reacting to Sears' bankruptcy filing through court motions, lawsuits and withholding of inventory, all of which could determine the fate of the floundering retailer.

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 24, 2018
Suppliers challenge Sears on multiple fronts in Ch. 11

Vendors to the bankrupt retailer have sued, questioning its store liquidation plans and stopping shipments as Sears tries to reorganize.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 23, 2018
Alleged supplier bankruptcies renew suspicion that Tesla isn't paying up

A short-selling investor made public this past Friday her concerns that Tesla's supply chain is in serious trouble.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 23, 2018
Hospitals could save $25B on supply chain costs

Healthcare facilities are a business like any other — but in the operating room, faulty supply chains can carry high consequences.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 22, 2018
Pier 1 leans on fulfillment efficiency to revive slipping sales

Initiatives such as a new distribution scheme and warehouse consolidation are part of a broader strategy to address "execution issues" in the company's supply chain, executives said in an earnings call.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 19, 2018
Burberry tightens lead times with monthly product releases

The luxury apparel brand's move toward fast fashion and a lean model may be innovative in the fashion world, but it's old hat in traditional manufacturing.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 18, 2018
Hurricane Florence, one month later

Lingering effects on supply chains have mostly faded, but billions of dollars in damage remain.

By Jen A. Miller • Oct. 18, 2018
From crop to pub, climate change will send beer supply chain costs soaring

Beer makers work to absorb pricing changes in their procurement pipelines, but a study suggests the supply chain may not be able to sustain price stability for much longer.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 17, 2018
Apparel companies eye nearshoring to cut lead times

The tradeoff between higher cost of manufacturing versus lower freight rates, combined with the need for speed, will drive apparel companies moving forward.

By Andy Burt • Oct. 16, 2018