Third-Party & Supply Chain

Consumers in the United States are increasingly pushing for transparency in supply chains, as indicated by the 2023 Fairtrade America Consumer Insights report. This report, conducted by a prominent U.S. sustainability organization, sheds light on a rising desire for products sourced ethically and sustainably. It highlights the growing recognition of the Fairtrade label, with 61% of Americans now familiar with it, representing a significant increase from 2021.

As the UAW expands its strike at auto manufacturing plants around the country, US auto companies Ford, GM, and Chrysler are beginning to feel the pressure as the walkouts continuing to mount, leading to layoffs increasing, and the lights going out at factories.

Amidst an ongoing legal battle with ICTSI that has gone on for more than a decade now, the ILWU who represents longshore and warehouse workers all along the west coast has filed for chapter 11 protection in an effort to fend off the impending damages that will need to be paid in the lawsuit filed by the Oregon division of the shipping company that operated out of Portland.

As the European Union prepares to usher in the first enforcement phase of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on October 1, a new report from The Conference Board sheds light on the far-reaching implications of this groundbreaking initiative. The CBAM, designed to curb carbon emissions, will impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports, equalizing the playing field with EU-made products. The Conference Board's report, titled 'Navigating Europe's Carbon Tariff: What is CBAM and What Does it Mean for Business?' draws attention to how this measure will impact businesses and supply chains.

In a firm stance against forced labor practices and to address ongoing human rights violations against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced significant enforcement actions. These measures aim to eradicate the use of forced labor within the U.S. supply chain and hold accountable those responsible. The DHS-led interagency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) has added three People's Republic of China (PRC)-based companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, bringing the total number of entities designated to 27.

As tension between China and the US, as well as other parts of the globe, have continued to build, other economic hurdles have arisen. There seems to be little optimism surrounding the Chinese business climate has resulted In many companies diverting efforts and plans away from China.

Hospitals and health systems are increasingly turning to cloud-based technology to enhance their supply chain management, according to a recent survey conducted by Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX). The findings of this survey, which polled more than 100 healthcare leaders, reveal that the top drivers for transitioning to the cloud include improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing operational resilience.