In an age of inflation, managing working capital is king

Low inflation and interest rates have led to lax management of working capital, but as commodity prices rise some belts may tighten and affect actors across the supply chain.

By Craig Guillot • Aug. 14, 2018

Alcoa requests tariff exemptions as price hikes reverberate through supply chain

The company's global supply chain is hamstrung by tariffs, hampering competitiveness at home and abroad.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 9, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Boeing invests in 3D-printed parts in wake of supplier shortfalls

The use of 3D printers can produce metal parts faster and cheaper, allowing manufactures to keep up with growing demand.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 8, 2018

US to collect 25% duties on $16B Chinese imports starting Aug. 23

Tariffs will target a total of $50 billion worth of U.S. imports from China — about 10% of imports from the country. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated Aug. 8, 2018

Timeline: How the US ended up in a global trade war

Tit-for-tat tariffs are affecting global supply chains trading thousands of products, from washing machines to soybeans.

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 7, 2018

Blockchain test traces Nestlé baby food ingredients

Recent widespread food recalls highlight the need to quickly and accurately trace the source of food products. 

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Aug. 5, 2018

China warns it could retaliate with tariffs on $60B

The announcement comes after the U.S. said it will consider raising tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion of imports from China. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated Aug. 3, 2018

Logistics companies, Asian nations reap benefits of trade war

While some companies are struggling to figure out the best approach to overcome disruptions created by tariffs, other companies may be reaping the benefits of this turmoil.

By Rich Weissman • Aug. 1, 2018

How an 11-day truck strike in Brazil hurt Unilever's top line

The consumer goods retailer saw its revenues fall 0.6% and sales decline up to 9% due to the strike.

By Edwin Lopez • July 31, 2018

US, EU vow to work toward 'zero tariffs'

While businesses trading globally welcome the news, many are still concerned about trade barriers with partners such as China, Canada and Mexico.

By Shefali Kapadia • July 26, 2018

Tesla supplier halts cobalt supply chain amid possible Cuba ties

Panasonic's raw material supplier was sourcing from Cuba, but imports from the country are banned in the U.S. — where Tesla, its battery client, is based.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • July 25, 2018

How Mercy Health consolidated its supply chain

Facing rising costs and inconsistencies, health systems are strengthening efficiency by vertically integrating their supply chains.

By Nicole Ault • July 24, 2018

71% of businesses don't hold suppliers to the same security standards

Suppliers using rudimentary networks pose a high risk to the value chain, often unknowingly inviting hackers in through the front door.

By Rich Weissman • July 24, 2018

Does Tesla's 'big ask' for cash from suppliers risk disrupting the supply chain?

The move is part of Elon Musk's promise to deliver positive cash flow, but can suppliers handle the request?

By Shefali Kapadia • July 23, 2018

Apparel industry ranks trade policy, tariffs as top business challenge

As a trade war brews with China, the fashion industry is looking for alternate sourcing destinations, resulting in major supply chain shifts. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 19, 2018

Toys R Us strikes deal with vendors to settle bankruptcy claims

After supporting the toy retailer in bankruptcy, many vendors were left with millions in unpaid orders as Toys R Us moved to liquidate. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 19, 2018

H&M works with suppliers on new wage management system

As the social supply chain takes hold, companies realize the benefits of suppliers with well-paid, safe and healthy workers. 

By Rich Weissman • July 19, 2018

To combat sourcing risk, industry groups evaluate 37 material supply chains

As supply chains become increasingly intricate, competitors and suppliers work in collaboration to source responsibly.

By Rich Weissman • July 18, 2018

Patterson's new supply chain initiatives could turn around lackluster sales

The dental company's new initiative aims to increase operational and supply chain efficiency but may have unintended consequences.

By Kate Patrick Macri • July 17, 2018

ERPs a top challenge to growth of electronic payments

Electronic payments help lower costs and keep suppliers happy, but the technology's lack of interoperability with existing software is hindering adoption.

By Edwin Lopez • July 17, 2018

Supply chain woes leave Boeing, Airbus struggling to deliver

Booming demand in the airline industry is squeezing suppliers and creating shortages of crucial components such as engines and wing assemblies.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • July 17, 2018

Fish tales: Overfishing takes cod away from capes — and the world

Fishing reached record highs in 2016, but its unchecked growth may threaten long-term food security as fish stock declines or shifts to different waters. 

By Rich Weissman • July 16, 2018

Furniture retail starts to feel the 'Amazon effect'

While the industry has been slow to advance, increased demand and competition is driving innovation, keeping manufacturers on their toes.

By Barry Hochfelder • July 16, 2018

34% of companies can't determine country of origin for conflict minerals

Businesses have taken active steps to collect missing supply chain data, and suppliers are increasingly aware of 3TG minerals in products. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 12, 2018

Automation puts supply chain workers at high risk for exploitation

For businesses, juggling efficient automated facilities with the livelihood of workers is a balancing act. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 12, 2018