Navigating supplier relationships in the COVID-19 era

Coronavirus-related ruptures in the supply chain are leading to canceled, invalidated or ignored contracts, emphasizing the importance of buyer-supplier relations.

By Rich Weissman • April 16, 2020

ISM: Lead times are up 200% or more across the world

Supply disruptions will remain a global issue that will challenge even well-prepared and diversified firms, said ISM CEO Tom Derry.

By Morgan Forde • April 15, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail Supply Chains

Retailers are making operational investments and adjustments to maintain supply chain resilience. Here’s how.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

How medical supply chains can diversify beyond COVID-19

Pharma and medical device buyers' heavy reliance on global sourcing lowers costs but has created supply problems during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • April 15, 2020

FedEx adds 150 flights in April to shuttle PPE from Asia to the US

The carrier plans to redeploy aircraft it had parked, according to Bloomberg. FedEx has been cutting airfreight capacity since September. 

By S.L. Fuller • April 13, 2020

PwC: Supply chains will up supplier scrutiny after coronavirus

Initial concerns about near-term supply disruptions are giving way to larger questions regarding procurement risk going forward.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 13, 2020

Godiva fails to address labor rights, sustainability in supply chain, survey finds

Although major chocolate brands have made some improvement in reducing deforestation, giving fair wages and increasing visibility, the industry has a long way to go as it braces for the coronavirus, according to the survey.

By Morgan Forde • April 9, 2020

WTO: 2020 trade levels could rival Great Depression

Optimistically, global trade would decline by 13% year over year. In a pessimistic outlook, the decline is 32% or more.

By S.L. Fuller • April 9, 2020

Kearney: Coronavirus disruption will force even diversified supply chains to 'rethink' sourcing

Kearney predicts supply chains will begin prioritizing resilience over cost to ensure profitability in the future.

By Morgan Forde • April 8, 2020

Levi's ramps up ship-from-store to move inventory trapped in dark stores

The transition will help move inventory trapped in closed stores and hedge against any changes in local regulations that could shut down fulfillment centers not shipping essential goods.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 8, 2020

As coronavirus spread through Asia, Atlantic Natural Foods prepared for US impact

With a facility in Thailand, the company had foresight about how the pandemic could sweep across the world and affect the food industry.

By Lillianna Byington • April 7, 2020

Transportation bottlenecks snarl inputs to food supply chains

Global agricultural commodity prices are jumping as pandemic mitigation efforts constrict logistics and trade.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 7, 2020

Why supply chain data is king in the coronavirus pandemic

Healthcare systems, distributors and purchasing organizations rely on real-time data to manage supplies and model their equipment and staffing needs.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • April 7, 2020

DOJ clears antitrust concerns, allows medical suppliers to collaborate on manufacturing and distribution

Five major medical suppliers wrote to the agency seeking an antitrust enforcement reprieve in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 6, 2020

Patent Pending: IBM floats process for computers to make bidding decisions

Supply chain innovators apply to patent what they see as important tools for the future. Sometimes they're brilliant. Sometimes they're funny.

By Matt Leonard • April 2, 2020

Supply chains will survive the pandemic, but revised strategies may take hold

Experts anticipate an increased focus on risk assessment and scenario planning beyond COVID-19. 

By Rich Weissman • April 2, 2020

Food firms source domestically as coronavirus creates supply chain concerns

The CEO of Olam Spices said March orders of onion, garlic and chilies grown in the U.S. were up 20% from last year.

By Lillianna Byington • April 2, 2020

The supply chain behind the pivot to make coronavirus relief supplies

Relationships and labor are key as manufacturers adjust their operations to produce medical and consumer supplies necessary for fighting the pandemic. 

By Jen A. Miller • April 2, 2020

How can supply chains manage COVID-19 risk? 4 experts weigh in

The short term need is to keep employees safe and healthy. Longer term thinking should focus on resilience and strengthening supply chain partnerships.

By Shefali Kapadia • April 2, 2020

ISM: US manufacturing decline could persist through May

The Institute for Supply Management predicts the worst is yet to come for the manufacturing and transport industries as supply shortages and declining consumer demand cause ripple effects throughout supply chains.

By Morgan Forde • April 1, 2020

How the CARES Act will affect supply chains

The law offers financial relief to businesses weathering COVID-19 disruption and attempts to keep freight and last-mile cargo moving.

By Morgan Forde • April 1, 2020

PwC: Supply chains will broaden, diversify in the wake of coronavirus

Top finance executives shift the conversation from meeting immediate needs to what supply chains should look like long-term.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 31, 2020

From Section 301 to COVID-19: How a volatile China changed supply chains

An ongoing trade war, and now a global pandemic, pushed U.S. businesses to diversify and raised the question: Are we too dependent on China?

By Shefali Kapadia • March 31, 2020

H&M pledges to accept orders in production from suppliers

The move demonstrates a rare level of concern for the health of garment manufacturers, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 31, 2020

As coronavirus spreads, reliance on foreign sourcing strains pharma supply chains

With India on lockdown and China still ramping back up production, experts worry about the pipeline for importing critical drugs into the U.S.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • March 27, 2020

Digital procurement marketplace connects hospitals responding to coronavirus outbreak

The Exchange tosses out standard allocation models in favor of connecting procurement professionals through a global network.

By S.L. Fuller • March 26, 2020