3 ways to manage coronavirus risk in the supply chain

Even as China operations come back online, the risk to global supply chains is far from over, panelists said at Modex as they offered tips to mitigate challenges.

By Shefali Kapadia • March 11, 2020

Union Pacific to tackle emissions reduction with science-based targets

Railroads are one of the lowest-emissions freight modes available, but a longstanding close relationship with the coal industry complicates their record on climate issues. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 11, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating rising costs, network changes and logistics disruptions across global supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

44% of supply chain pros have no plan for China supply disruption

There are signs companies are struggling with visibility and shipping out of China, but there is no indication this has resulted in U.S. factories shuttering, even temporarily.

By Matt Leonard • March 11, 2020

Goldman: Coronavirus could reduce profits 3.6% for manufacturers

The estimate was based on an average production utilization rate of 50% for the month of February and a 30% reduction in Chinese demand over the next six months.

By Matt Leonard • March 10, 2020

Coronavirus adds hurdle for air cargo industry saddled with demand slump

Airfreight demand was down YoY for 2019 and the full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak won't show up until the February numbers are released next month, according to the International Air Transport Association.

By Matt Leonard • March 9, 2020

Nike, retail groups respond to report documenting forced Uighur labor in supply chains

A joint statement from four leading retail industry groups called on the U.S. government to form a multi-stakeholder working group to find solutions. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated March 12, 2020

Logistics Manager's Index reaches historic low

The sector remains in growth territory, but at the slowest rate recorded since 2016. Can it wait out slowdowns from the coronavirus outbreak?

By Morgan Forde • March 5, 2020

Chinese port calls trend toward normalcy

Figures from Clarksons Platou Securities, a maritime brokerage, suggest port calls have already surpassed 2019 levels.

By Matt Leonard • March 4, 2020

US manufacturing hit by coronavirus but maintains growth

Although the purchasing managers index found the manufacturing sector just within growth territory, coronavirus-related complications are causing supply delays and longer lead times.

By Morgan Forde • March 3, 2020

Do more robots mean a safer warehouse?

Fulfillment robotics pledge to make workers' jobs easier, but whether those jobs are safer is open for debate — even among those making and selling the technology.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 3, 2020

Levi's CEO: Reducing China operations during trade war mitigating coronavirus impact

The company is also keeping an eye on the virus' spread to Europe where it could affect another key segment of its production and supply base.

By Morgan Forde • March 3, 2020

Blank sailings, demand drop could cost carriers a combined $1.9B

More blank sailings have been announced, but the pace has slowed and experts are optimistic.

By Matt Leonard • March 3, 2020

High fuel costs, overcapacity and contract delays threaten ocean shipping in 2020: report

Shippers have some leverage to push for pricing transparency, but many carriers' ability to survive current fuel prices and freight demand will depend on whether they can successfully implement price increases.

By Morgan Forde • March 2, 2020

China manufacturing index dips below recession levels amid coronavirus response

Though demand weakened in February, the Caixin index showed new export orders were nowhere near the lows recorded in 2008 and factories have much to do when they resume function.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 2, 2020

FDA reports first drug shortage due to coronavirus impact

Supplies of the drug, which the FDA did not identify, ran short as a result of issues at a site that produces the active ingredient. Other options are available, the agency said.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Feb. 28, 2020

TQL cyber breach is latest example of the industry's vulnerability to hacking

The cyberattack compromised its carrier portal, potentially granting access to, "carrier accounts, including, in many instances, tax ID numbers and bank account numbers," according to the company's website.

By Morgan Forde • Feb. 28, 2020

Coronavirus renders nearly 9% of container shipping fleets inactive

Two million TEUs of capacity is now inactive, surpassing the previous record for blank sailing seen during the great recession.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 28, 2020

Maersk secures $5B in credit tied to emissions progress

The carrier aims to cut carbon emissions by 60% per cargo moved by 2030. ​

By S.L. Fuller • Feb. 27, 2020

Gartner: Circular supply chain investments must focus on reverse logistics

Seventy percent of supply chain leaders plan to invest in new technologies, from manufacturing to delivery, to achieve circularity by mid-2021.

By Morgan Forde • Feb. 27, 2020

China manufacturing hubs face greatest risk from sea-level rise: report

The Pearl River Delta is home to large automotive, petrochemical and electronics manufacturing operations and the region single-handedly generates 3.8% of global wealth.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 26, 2020

Revenue concerns spread outside China with coronavirus cases

The difficulty in predicting the spread of the disease makes it especially challenging for companies to make plans and seek alternative suppliers.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 26, 2020

From legacy systems to connected tech, manufacturers face cyber risks

The potential for damage in an operations environment can dramatically affect revenue, if not shut businesses down completely.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Feb. 25, 2020

Toyota restarts manufacturing at 4 Chinese facilities shuttered by coronavirus

Operations in China are expected to get back to normal next month, but supply chain impacts are difficult to forecast as coronavirus spreads into Iran and Italy.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 25, 2020

Canadian National calls back furloughed staff, normal operations will take weeks

The railroad is still monitoring the network for further disruptions, said CEO JJ Ruest in a statement.

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated March 3, 2020

Rainforest Alliance strengthens its cocoa certification program

The group said the changes will address challenges within the sector, including farmer livelihoods, child labor and deforestation.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 24, 2020