Material prices back on the rise

An elevated producer price index indicates the economy remains overheated, said Anirban Basu, chief economist of Associated Builders and Contractors.

By Sebastian Obando • Feb. 23, 2023

Ikea’s climate footprint shrinks as it rapidly switches to renewables

Finding sustainable materials for the furniture retailer’s products, however, remains a stubborn challenge.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 22, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Bombardier works with suppliers to combat supply chain headwinds

The aircraft manufacturer has also increased material supply inventories and implemented a monitoring solution to mitigate potential disruptions.

By Kelly Stroh • Feb. 17, 2023

Responsible cobalt sourcing ‘will take a coalition to solve,’ Microsoft says

A representative from the computing giant joined a visit to an artisanal mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo that saw the benefits of a formalization pilot.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 16, 2023

GM signs exclusive chip supplier agreement with GlobalFoundries

The semiconductor manufacturer aims to reduce the number of unique chips needed to power GM's EVs.

By Kate Magill • Feb. 15, 2023

Shein questioned on potential forced labor in its supply chain

Three U.S. senators are asking whether the fast-fashion giant's clothing contain banned cotton from China’s Xinjiang region. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 14, 2023

Spirit Aerosystems plagued by parts shortages, supply chain instability

Labor shortages and increased costs caused production to stall across many of the Boeing supplier’s programs.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 13, 2023

Hyundai, Labor Department in talks over child labor allegations at supplier sites

The automaker said it is working to address the concerns by adding anonymous tip hotlines and discouraging use of third-party staffing agencies.

By Megan Ruggles • Feb. 10, 2023

Retailers join $950M commitment to Central America sourcing

Target and Columbia Sportswear are among private companies investing in the region as part of a White House call to action.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 9, 2023

The Children’s Place took a $65M hit from cotton prices in 2022

With container and air freight costs, the children’s clothing retailer logged a $135 million impact from heightened supply chain expenses.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 8, 2023

Egg prices expected to remain high as long as bird flu continues

While producers are grappling with the impact of the virus, politicians and activists call for investigations into potential price gouging.

By Chris Casey • Feb. 7, 2023

2023 outlook: Is this the year supply chains stabilize?

Freight rates are finally easing, but geopolitical turmoil and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to create headaches for businesses.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 6, 2023

Lululemon looks to increase supplier diversity for indirect spend

The athleisure brand said it will increase the purchasing volume for vendors owned and operated by women and underrepresented groups in its non-merchandise spend. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 3, 2023

Sustainability still takes a backseat to profit for procurement teams: study

A relatively small share of procurement staff see environmental and social goals within their purview or collect related metrics to measure success.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 2, 2023

Whirlpool’s production takes a hit after supplier disruption

The hiccup at the unnamed supplier was resolved in mid-January, but not before costing the appliance maker millions in lost sales and profits. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 1, 2023

GM investing $650M to develop Nevada lithium mine

The deal with Lithium Americas will help the company make its supply chain more secure and manage cell costs better, said Chair and CEO Mary Barra.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 31, 2023

Shortages 2023: 4 goods facing tight supplies this year

Even as supply chain chokepoints ease for many products, world events still weigh on the availability of some key goods.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 31, 2023

Levi’s blames $40M in unfilled orders on distribution center constraints

Meanwhile, the denim retailer is also grappling with bloated inventory levels.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 30, 2023

Church’s Texas Chicken hires new purchasing head

Joining the chain is Will Cash, who brings procurement and supply chain leadership experience from other quick-service restaurants. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 27, 2023

Risky business: How suppliers defend themselves against retail bankruptcies

Retailers and their vendors go through a delicate dance when a Chapter 11 looms, with financial hazards for both sides.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 26, 2023

Truck parts shortages set to ease in 2023

Supply chain disruptions are becoming less severe, although industry players still report lingering constraints.

By David Taube • Jan. 26, 2023

DOJ investigating Abbott infant formula plant

After closing and reopening a Michigan facility at the center of a national shortage, the healthcare giant is now facing a criminal probe. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 24, 2023

Industry study tracks China tariffs’ added costs to importers and consumers

The duties created $3 billion a year in direct expenses on apparel, footwear, furniture and travel goods from the country, according to research from trade groups.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 24, 2023

Cargill, CHS add Houston terminal in expansion of export joint venture

The new facility will give more agricultural shippers access to Mexico as trade with the country grows.

By Alejandra Carranza , Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 23, 2023

How Party City suppliers ‘reached their limits’ as it slipped toward bankruptcy

Tightened terms with suppliers after it fell behind on payments helped tip the retailer into Chapter 11. Now it needs its vendor base more than ever.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 20, 2023