Reuters Econ World Supply chains
Sep 24, 2025
Mark Bendeich, Global Managing Editor at Reuters, dives into the fascinating world of supply chains, revealing how COVID exposed their vulnerabilities. He discusses the shift from just-in-time inventory to stockpiling amidst global disruptions. The rising role of AI in supply chain management is highlighted, illustrating its impact on decision-making. Bendeich also covers the geopolitical risks and ongoing trade tensions, stressing that firms are adapting but remain at risk of future shocks. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intricate web of global trade!
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Everyday Shortages Brought Supply Pain Home
- During COVID consumers faced empty supermarket shelves and car shortages, which vividly exposed supply-chain weakness.
- Carmel Crimmins recalls that even toilet paper became unavailable at the height of the crisis.
Pandemic Fueled Resource Nationalism
- COVID triggered export restrictions and resource nationalism, prompting near-shoring and friend-shoring moves.
- Those reactions partially reversed decades of deeper globalisation but did not fully reverse supply integration.
Carrying Inventory Became Economically Painful
- Firms briefly hoarded inventory after COVID when financing was cheap, but higher interest rates reversed that.
- Inventory carries financing and obsolescence risks that push firms back toward leaner stocks.