Welcome to the Supply Chain Bistro: Weekly Special for the second week of January 2025! We’re here to serve you the latest supply chain news with a side of wit and a dash of humor. Let’s dig in!
Appetizer: Quick Bites
Aircraft Shortages: The New Airline Diet Plan
Aircraft leasing executives predict that plane shortages will linger for years, thanks to delivery delays from Airbus and Boeing. With over 4,000 planes still on the ‘to-build’ list, it seems the aviation industry’s New Year’s resolution is to practice patience.
Dockworkers and Employers Make Peace: Strike Averted
The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative six-year contract agreement, dodging a potential port strike. Looks like the only things getting shipped this week are goods, not grievances.
DHL Buys Into Retail Returns: No Take-Backs on This Deal
DHL Supply Chain has acquired Inmar Supply Chain Solutions to expand its footprint in the booming retail returns market. With shoppers returning 16.9% of items last year, DHL is ready to handle your buyer’s remorse with logistical finesse.
Main Course: The Big Kahuna Burger of Supply Chain Trends
Supply Chain Management Trends to Watch in 2025
As we dive into 2025, several key trends are set to shape the future of supply chain management:
- Diversification of Networks: Retailers and manufacturers are expanding and diversifying their supply networks to enhance resilience against disruptions.
- Technological Integration: The adoption of AI and digital twins is revolutionizing supply chain operations, offering improved efficiency and real-time decision-making capabilities.
- Risk Management: Companies are prioritizing risk assessment and mitigation strategies to navigate challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.
Staying ahead of these trends will be crucial for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving supply chain landscape.
Side Dish: Academic Morsel of the Week
USTR Publishes Policy Paper Series on Supply Chain Resilience
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has released a series of six policy papers titled “Adapting Trade Policy for Supply Chain Resilience: Responding to Today’s Global Economic Challenges.” These papers address various aspects of trade and investment policy initiatives aimed at promoting supply chain resilience, including a trade policy framework, challenges in the textile and apparel industries, and the use of rules of origin to enhance resilience.
United States Trade Representative
Dessert: Fun Supply Chain Fact
Did you know that the term ‘logistics’ comes from the Greek word ‘logistikos,’ meaning ‘skilled in calculating’? So, next time you’re stuck in traffic, just tell yourself it’s a real-world lesson in ancient Greek mathematics.
Chef’s Special: Reader Interaction
What’s the quirkiest item you’ve ever had to ship or receive? A live lobster? A life-sized cardboard cutout of your favorite celebrity? Share your stories by replying to this newsletter, and we’ll feature the best ones in our next edition!
Thank you for dining at the Supply Chain Bistro. We hope this week’s menu was both informative and entertaining. Stay tuned for next week’s specials, and remember: in the world of logistics, it’s all about the journey and the destination!