Archives June 2025

Global supply chains have become the invisible architecture supporting our modern world, seamlessly connecting resources, manufacturers, and consumers across continents. Yet as trade tensions rise and tariffs become political weapons, this delicate ecosystem faces unprecedented challenges. We take you behind the scenes of three everyday products to reveal their surprisingly global journeys. The iPhone, despite its “Designed in California” branding, relies on a supply chain spanning 43 countr…

Ever relied on a mental shortcut only to stumble because it wasn’t quite right for the situation? That’s precisely what we dive into in this episode about heuristics—those mental rules of thumb that help us navigate complex decisions in supply chain management. The 80-20 rule, ABC inventory classification, recent supplier performance—these are just a few of the heuristics that make our decision-making more efficient. But there’s a shadow side to these mental shortcuts. The availability heuri…

The fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has sent Tesla shares tumbling, while global trade tensions escalate with doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. • Trump-Musk relationship deteriorates after disagreement over budget bill • Tesla shares down 14% this week, 37% since December • Trump doubles steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% • Eurozone inflation falls below 2% target for first time in three years • China possibly ordering hundreds of Airbus planes as snub to Boeing • Futu…

Red tape isn’t just an administrative nuisance—it’s a critical cost factor that’s reshaping global supply chains. When governments introduce regulations that create friction, the consequences ripple through entire industries, affecting businesses and consumers alike. Brexit offers a powerful case study of regulatory impact on supply chains. Seven years after the UK’s departure from the European Union, British businesses still struggle with new customs procedures and documentation requirement…

Trade wars, court battles, and corporate upheaval dominate this week’s global supply chain landscape as businesses navigate unprecedented volatility. At the center of it all: Donald Trump’s controversial tariff regime faces significant legal challenges that could reshape international commerce. The Federal Court of International Trade delivered a bombshell ruling that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing certain duties under emergency powers legislation. Though quickly appealed and tempo…