Supply chains 2022: A year in pictures

Rising inflation, strike threats and slowing demand triggered a wave of business uncertainty following months of growth. Take a look back at 13 memorable moments.

By Edwin Lopez , Kelly Stroh , Sarah Zimmerman , Shaun Lucas • Jan. 10, 2023

Rivian falls short on EV production amid supply chain stall

The electric vehicle maker has faced production downtime because of a shortage of a “key component,” executives previously said. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 10, 2023

Hydro Flask owner sees reduced orders amid inventory glut

 Helen of Troy, which also owns Drybar and Vicks, said it would cut its global workforce by 10%.

By Dani James • Jan. 6, 2023

Joann’s $200M cost reduction plan relies on falling ocean rates

The craft retailer has endured tens of millions of dollars in excess freight expenses throughout the pandemic.

By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 4, 2023

How climate change is expected to transform manufacturing

Global warming is shifting the calculus for many firms, as flooding and record temperatures affect employee productivity and regional resilience.

By Kate Magill • Jan. 3, 2023

Top disruptions that shook supply chains in 2022

Geopolitical conflicts, strike threats and weather-related disasters forced businesses to yet again adjust operations.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 21, 2022

Los Angeles garment supplier cited for failure to pay workers

The U.S. Department of Labor said the violation was the latest in a string of abuses at clothing manufacturers in the city.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2022

Lovesac makes strides in sourcing outside of China

The country used to make up most of the furniture maker's production capacity. Now it's around 30%.

By Kate Magill • Dec. 13, 2022

House passes bills to avert US rail shutdown, add paid sick leave

The vote comes just two days after President Joe Biden urged congressional intervention, warning “a rail shutdown would devastate our economy.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 30, 2022

Biden calls on Congress to prevent rail shutdown

The president said he’s been advised that “there is no path to resolve the dispute at the bargaining table” before the Dec. 9 deadline.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 28, 2022

Oatly supply chain chief departs

Moving forward, the plant-based milk brand is looking to simplify operations and shift to a lean manufacturing model.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 17, 2022

Amid strike fears, cargo diversion a key fixture in 2022’s supply chain playbook

The shadow of negotiations clouds U.S. railroads and West Coast ports. Shippers have leaned on less-risky alternatives, despite some drawbacks.

By Max Garland • Nov. 16, 2022

Stanley Black & Decker cuts nearly 50,000 SKUs as part of transformation plan

The move comes as the company retools its sourcing strategy to help generate $1.5 billion in savings over the next three years.

By Kelly Stroh • Nov. 10, 2022

FedEx suspends Express, Ground services in Florida areas hit by Tropical Storm Nicole

The company listed on Thursday hundreds of affected ZIP codes, covering places like Daytona Beach, Orlando and West Palm Beach.

By Max Garland • Nov. 10, 2022

Deadline to avoid rail strike or lockout extended to December

The country’s third-largest rail union agreed to a longer “cooling off” period in an attempt to avoid congressional intervention and service disruptions.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 9, 2022

Holiday hangovers: Retailers seek to clear out inventory piles as the season ramps up

After declarations about “decisive” actions to clear excess goods earlier this year, levels are still high and markdowns rampant.

By Ben Unglesbee • Nov. 8, 2022

3 Port of Oakland terminals reopen following union walkout

The action by ILWU Local 34, which led to daytime closures, was independent of broader union efforts.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 3, 2022

ESG backlash unlikely to derail SEC proposal requiring climate risk disclosures

One expert said the agency has "vastly underestimated" the amount of money needed for businesses to comply.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 3, 2022

P&G to offset rising costs with price increases, productivity initiatives

The actions come as the CPG prepares to unveil a new procurement and operations plan, dubbed Supply Chain 3.0, later this month.

By Alejandra Carranza • Nov. 2, 2022

Rail labor negotiations: Tracking the path to ratification

A strike or lockout was avoided after Congress intervened to impose an agreement. Here’s how we got there.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated Dec. 2, 2022

Shippers urge Biden to prevent potential rail shutdown

Over 300 trade associations signed a letter asking the president to prevent a strike or lockout.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 28, 2022

A second rail union rejects labor deal over paid sick leave

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and their employers agreed to avoid service disruptions until December as part of a "status quo" period.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 27, 2022

Hurricane Ian damage largely spares supply chains

Although some businesses will see delays, the disruption isn't expected to compare to the Texas deep freeze last February.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 18, 2022

EPA to speed review of new chemicals for electric vehicles

The move is in line with the Biden administration’s focus on boosting domestic output of lithium and rare earth minerals.

By Larry Pearl • Oct. 18, 2022

Railroads should give workers the benefits they seek

It's time to get freight rail back on track with a stable workforce and improved service, writes the National Association of Chemical Distributors.

By Eric R. Byer • Oct. 17, 2022