The apparel industry had an inventory problem before coronavirus. What now?

With such an unprecedented set of restrictions and uncertainties, universal recommendations are hard to come by for "nonessential" retailers and wholesalers, but some trends are starting to surface.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 24, 2020

Today's supply chains are too lean

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dangers of just-in-time principles and lean inventories.

By Rich Weissman • March 24, 2020

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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

Food manufacturing will stay healthy during coronavirus, trade groups say

Leaders of the Consumer Brands Association and the American Bakers Association say their members are rising to the challenge and see no shortages of the basics.

By Megan Poinski • March 24, 2020

United, American Airlines begin cargo-only flights as rates double between Europe and US

As the number of global consumer flights dwindles, so does a large slice of the global airfreight capacity that existed in the belly of those passenger planes.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 23, 2020

Cold chain stays steady as grocery demand heats up

COVID-19 has had minimal effect on warehouse operations, so far. But stakeholders are keeping an eye on staffing and are requesting regulatory help to maintain functionality. 

By S.L. Fuller • March 22, 2020

XPO ends spinoff strategy in light of COVID-19 outbreak

CEO Brad Jacobs' January announcement that he would consider selling off parts of the business was a sign trucking M&A was healthy, but world events have conspired against further plans.

By Jim Stinson • March 20, 2020

McKinsey estimates stock-outs for automotive, retail supply chains by end of March, April

Just-in-time and traditionally low-inventory supply chains could be in danger in the coming weeks as supply out of China continues to be slow and U.S. and EU factories begin to postpone production.

By Morgan Forde • March 19, 2020

US won't suspend China tariffs during coronavirus outbreak

The tariffs present a risk and additional cost to medical supply chains as the need for critical supplies becomes urgent. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 19, 2020

Redundancies, hurricane prep keeping healthcare company Baxter in stock despite COVID-19

The company is constantly monitoring the supply and the demand side to thoroughly understand supplier capacity and prevent hoarding by hospitals, said CEO Joe Almeida. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 19, 2020

European, US manufacturers shut down as China comes back online

Factory shutdowns will quickly ripple through the supply chain to impact the suppliers, logistics partners and other businesses that work with manufacturers on a regular basis. 

By Matt Leonard • Updated March 24, 2020

53% of US manufacturers expect operational impact from coronavirus: survey

Operational changes include the implementation of business continuity plans involving workplace sanitation, limiting in-person interaction and managing shifts to account for an uptick in worker absences, according to The National Association of Manufacturers.

By Matt Leonard • March 17, 2020

PwC: Coronavirus is moving supply chain into the board room

In a survey conducted last week, 90% of 50 the CFOs said if the coronavirus outbreak disappeared today, it would take their companies three months or less to regain normal function.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 17, 2020

Trucking demand surges as retailers restock

Analysts said demand spikes and spot rate increases are "directly attributable" to the COVID-19 outbreak as retailers attempt to restock depleted stores. 

By Matt Leonard • March 17, 2020

IGA looks to China operations for coronavirus guidance

Chinese supermarkets stretched to the limit by the crisis offer a glimpse of the challenges and solutions that grocers in the U.S. face.

By Sam Silverstein • March 16, 2020

CDC chief: Certain materials critical to coronavirus tests​ 'now are in short supply'

Separately, the government announced funding for development of COVID-19 diagnostic tests meant to detect the pathogen in about an hour. 

By Greg Slabodkin • March 13, 2020

62% of procurement, supply chain managers experiencing supplier delays from China

Companies that shifted sourcing to countries outside of China, such as Vietnam, could be better positioned to weather coronavirus-related disruptions, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

By Morgan Forde • March 12, 2020

Airfreight rates from China to US climb 27% in 2 weeks as demand surpasses capacity

Flight cancellations out of China have removed 5,100 tons of capacity from China per day on average, which has led to a 36% year-over-year decline in total airfreight capacity out of mainland China.

By Matt Leonard • March 12, 2020

EU travel restrictions to decrease transatlantic air cargo capacity

Though cargo-only flights are not restricted, removing belly cargo space from commercial flights will take a significant bite of out of market capacity on the affected routes. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 12, 2020

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

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