US, Japan ink trade deal around EV battery materials

The two countries agreed not to impose duties on minerals as well as to cooperate on labor rights and promoting circular production.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 29, 2023

KB Home says supply constraints caused more building delays

The homebuilding company faced shortages of transformers and electrical equipment in Q1, slowing construction schedules.

By Kelly Stroh • March 28, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

FDA expects COVID-related shortages to normalize this year

Shortages of home-use ventilators and clinical sample concentrators are expected to continue.

By Nick Paul Taylor • March 28, 2023

With drug shortages on the rise, pharma supply chains pose security risk: report

Geographic concentration and a lack of visibility into sourcing could jeopardize key pharmaceuticals, according to a U.S. Senate committee.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 27, 2023

Foot Locker builds out inventory visibility as it chases digital-savvy peers

The retailer is raising capital spending by 50% as it aims to sync stock across its stores by 2024.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 24, 2023

Battery component supplier Entek to launch plant, operations in Indiana

The site will produce enough battery separators to power up to 1.6 million EVs a year by 2027. 

By Kate Magill • March 23, 2023

L’Oréal takes a step toward more sustainable ingredients with investment in Geno-led venture

The beauty giant joins Unilever as a founding investor in the venture, which aims to develop alternatives to frequently used ingredients.

By Xanayra Marin-Lopez • March 23, 2023

China tariffs lifted US production but hurt downstream industries: report

A new U.S. International Trade Commission study parsed out the specific impacts of duties on a host of Chinese imports.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 23, 2023

Gap Inc. lightens inventory load after a year of painful discounting

The apparel seller brought its stock levels down 21% as it prepares to bring supply in line with demand. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 21, 2023

PepsiCo asks suppliers to avoid buying palm oil from major producer in Indonesia

The food and beverage giant cut ties with Astra Agro Lestari, which has faced allegations of land grabbing and human rights abuses.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 16, 2023

Big Lots reports furniture shortages after largest supplier abruptly closes

The shutdown of vendor United Furniture Industries pressured the discount retailer's e-commerce sales.

By Alejandra Carranza • March 15, 2023

How one parts supplier navigates supply chain volatility

As part constraints grew over the last few years, EU Automation’s focus on refurbished equipment offered it opportunities for growth.

By Kate Magill • March 13, 2023

How Overstock is wooing new suppliers and weathering retail’s inventory torrent

While 2022’s discounting frenzy cost the online retailer market share, the CEO told Supply Chain Dive it’s looking to grow through new categories and brands. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 10, 2023

Shareholder activist blasts Nike for doing too little to prevent abuses in supply chain

Tulipshare said the company’s mistreated supply chain workers need more help and added that the brand could face serious risks.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 9, 2023

China, worker rights at center of Biden’s 2023 trade agenda

The U.S. Trade Representative said it is looking at all existing options and may consider new tools “to combat the harms of China’s state-led, non-market practices."

By Ben Unglesbee • March 8, 2023

Disciplined inventory management helped Macy’s weather tough 2022

The retailer has relied on data and analytics to forecast demand and make decisions around purchasing and pricing.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 7, 2023

Bird flu outbreak hurts Hormel turkey sales

The company said poultry volumes declined 80% YoY as it grapples with reduced production capacity from avian influenza.

By Chris Casey • March 7, 2023

Kohl’s shrinks inventory position after ‘out of control’ levels in 2022

The retailer will ask its suppliers to get more “nimble” as it plans for less product and chases demand signals, according to the head of Kohl’s digital business.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 6, 2023

A step-by-step guide to successful supplier negotiations

Procurement teams need to be prepared with good reasons as to why their vendor should lower prices. Here’s what to consider before asking for lower costs.

By Praveen Kumar Soni • March 2, 2023

TJX sees buying opportunities as retail sector falters

The off-pricer’s CEO said product availability has been “phenomenal” as other companies look to offload product they can’t sell. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 2, 2023

Inside a federally funded strategy to strengthen US lithium supply chains

The U.S. is behind in its goal to capture domestic production of battery materials. Here’s what one Energy Department-backed group says needs to happen to catch up.

By Kate Magill • March 1, 2023

Honda signs supply deal with Ascend Elements for recycled battery materials

The deal comes as automakers and battery suppliers alike ramp up production capacity.

By Kate Magill • Feb. 28, 2023

Leidos looks to cut costs with in-house sourcing

The company plans to manage some of its own security product supply chain and manufacturing.

By Kelly Stroh • Feb. 28, 2023

REI requires suppliers to phase out ‘forever chemicals’

The retailer has faced pressure from environmental groups to address PFAS in its supply chain.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 27, 2023

US hits Russia with 200% aluminum tariff

The Biden administration also announced $2.7 billion in new duties on other industrial goods as the war in Ukraine passes the one-year mark.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 24, 2023