Imports expected to slow after rush to beat tariffs

The National Retail Federation's import forecast shows a slow start to 2019 as China and the U.S. have wrapped up three days of trade negotiations.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 9, 2019

New shoe brand to source car tires, plastic bottles for footwear

Ethical sourcing doesn't have to be a zero-sum effort, and small steps in conscious procurement can develop into a trend long-term. 

By Rich Weissman • Jan. 7, 2019

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

US, China hold trade talks ahead of tariff hike

Both nations have expressed optimism surrounding negotiations, but will they be able to resolve deep-seated trade issues before March 1?

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 7, 2019

Apple suppliers take a hit after iPhone sales slump warning

The tech giant's struggles may indicate a trend of economic slowdown, serving as a warning to companies and suppliers doing business in China. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 4, 2019

US manufacturing slows amid trade war with China

"Growth appears to have stopped. Resources still focused on re-sourcing for U.S. tariff mitigation out of China," said one unnamed respondent in the computer and electronics field in ISM's latest survey. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 4, 2019

UK preps emergency supply chain as Brexit nears 'cliff-edge scenario'

The country's Department for Transport awarded three freight contracts for carriers to ease congestion in case the U.K. leaves the EU in March without a new trade deal.

By Edwin Lopez • Jan. 3, 2019

The 30K piece puzzle: Brexit and the auto industry

A no-deal Brexit would hit automakers' top and bottom lines and could cost them 2.8 million sales over the next two years.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 3, 2019

US food producers brace for hit as Pacific trade deal goes into effect

Many food and beverage products exported from the U.S. are subject to tariffs, but competitors' products from Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership countries will eventually be duty-free.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 3, 2019

Pacific nations welcome 2019 with new trade deal, tariff cuts

The CPTPP entered force Dec. 30, bringing with it a revision of trade rules between six countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore.

By Edwin Lopez • Jan. 2, 2019

Promised tariff relief for farmers uncertain in government shutdown

Farmers must decide whether to sell their wares at historically low prices or store them, waiting for a more favorable market.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 2, 2019

The hemp supply chain has a rare chance to get traceability right

Because of hemp's close relation to cannabis, which remains illegal at the federal level, hemp will likely be closely regulated by each state individually, which presents an opportunity for the industry. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 21, 2018

Counterfeits: The nightmare before Christmas

A recent congressional briefing warned consumers of the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods and retailers of the brand risks.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 21, 2018

Supply Chain Dive's 10 best stories of 2018

Stories of transformation and disruption prevailed in the supply chain landscape.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 21, 2018

Ethical sourcing standards took the spotlight in 2018

From palm oil to fair trade, the debate over who gets to define ethical sourcing standards was in full force this year.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 21, 2018

Volkswagen supplier to pay $35M fine in diesel emissions scandal

The close relationship between supplier IAV and the automaker leaves both actors entangled in the infamous "Dieselgate" scandal.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 20, 2018

Fraud is rampant in fish supply chains, New York AG finds

The attorney general put the onus on retailers to work with suppliers to ensure authenticity, thorough labeling and no "phony fish." 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 19, 2018

Palm oil supply chain faces glut

Long-term environmental and sustainability issues at the producer level keep the ubiquitous commodity on the supply chain risk radar.

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 18, 2018

Econ 101: In turbulent times, supply chains must take notes

Supply chain managers are at the forefront of seismic economic change, often gaining insights and whiffs of market changes before they happen. 

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 17, 2018

Why lip service matters in sustainable procurement

McDonald’s moving to rid its beef supply chain of unnecessary antibiotics may seem like an edict thrown at the procurement staff within the massive company, but it’s more a boon than a burden.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 14, 2018

Cargill takes 'concrete actions' to reach 100% cocoa bean traceability

The company's commitment includes mapping 100% of all farms in its direct supply chain and continually monitoring deforestation risks. 

By Barry Hochfelder • Dec. 14, 2018

Think tank: Employers retain power despite a tight labor market

Consolidation in industries and policy changes have eroded workers' power, said panelists at an event hosted by the Economic Policy Institute and Open Markets Institute. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 13, 2018

How to navigate the 90-day tariff 'cease-fire'

International politics can be tough to predict, but the fundamentals of risk planning will help supply chains weather the storm. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 12, 2018

McDonald's to shift meat supply chain away from antibiotics

The burger chain plans to reduce usage of antibiotics across 85% of its supply chain as similar commitments catch fire throughout the fast food segment. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 12, 2018

Target, H&M and 41 more launch charter to reduce supply chain emissions

Signatories to the charter will outline implementation steps to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 11, 2018

The supply chain behind turning unusual materials into textiles

Businesses are mining waste products for fiber production, giving rise to dozens of new alternative fibers on the market made from everything from mushroom roots to spoiled milk. 

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Dec. 11, 2018