Supply Chain Research

Supply Chain Edge: Resized inventory, splintered memory, active volcano

May 26, 2023

The apparel industry is returning to normal, though the major retailers still expect inventories to fall further while long term strategies on sourcing and environmental management are only just getting underway. Bifurcation in the technology industry has accelerated with the mainland Chinese ... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: COVID no more, tariffs in abeyance

May 19, 2023

Healthcare supply chains have been disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The US administration of President Joe Biden has downgraded the Public Health Emergency, while also extending a waiver on tariffs on imports from mainland China. Imports from mainland China are down 70% from their peak,... Read more →

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Supply Chain Edge: The new Vietnam

April 21, 2023

Thailand might be the next computer supply chain hub, although there will be a fight to displace mainland China as the main exporter and beat Mexico and Vietnam as rapidly expanding centers. We published new research this week looking at downturn-era supply chain strategies among the global to... Read more →

Supply Chain Edge: Slower, steadier and smoother

April 14, 2023

Evidence from US seaborne imports shows that supply chain activity continues to slow, further reducing pressure on supply chains. US containerized imports fell by nearly a quarter in March versus a year earlier, led by consumer durable goods. The S&P Global PMI for manufacturing supplier deliv... Read more →

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The new Pacific island: UK supply chains access CPTPP trade deal

April 14, 2023

The UK’s membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade group brings new supply chain opportunities. They should not be overstated: the UK already has trade deals of varying sorts with all CPTPP members except Malaysia and Brunei. Export o... Read more →

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Supply Chain Edge: Athleisure swims after flying

March 31, 2023

Athleisure apparel supply chains are changing rapidly, both in terms of tactical measures, such as the use of air freight discussed by Lululemon, and strategic decisions regarding regional sourcing. Apparel supply chains are in flux more broadly, with new subsidies from the government of India... Read more →

Brexit Watch: Showdown with EU set as U.K. asks for Northern Ireland customs relaxation

July 22, 2021

The U.K. government has proposed a series of measures to reform the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Protocol defines customs operations and is key to ensuring continued compliance with the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement by ensuring no physical barriers between Northern Ireland and Ireland. The... Read more →

Maersk’s new service may bring Deichmann, H&M back to Chennai

July 19, 2021

Maersk is reconfiguring its Asian services, including those from India to Europe, aimed at “improving speed to market, providing higher predictability and offering more flexibility” as well as bringing “resilience to the customers’ supply chains”. That follows a slew of disruptions to shipping... Read more →

Brexit Watch: Sainsbury’s, Tesco may switch food supplies if customs aren’t reformed

July 19, 2021

The CEOs of major U.K. retailers, including J Sainsbury and Tesco, have warned that uncertainty over the future of customs for shipping food into Northern Ireland “could force many retailers to move supply chains from GB to the EU”. The U.K. government will shortly be making a proposal to adap... Read more →

“Fit for 55” brings higher costs, continued uncertainty for supply chains

July 15, 2021

The European Union’s “Fit for 55” greenhouse gas reduction package brings stricter targets and likely increased costs for supply chains once it enters law over the next two years. In logistics the maritime shipping industry will be included in the EU emission trading scheme for the first time.... Read more →

Supply Chain Research

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