The Buzz: Trade Gaps and Supply Shortages

10 snips

Feb 6, 2026

Dyci (D.C.) Sfregola, founder and CEO of New Gen Architects and author on construction management, helps manufacturers and builders design resilient operating systems. Conversation covers widening U.S. trade gaps and what that signals. Discussion of a warehouse market rebound and long-term capacity planning. Looks ahead to potential 2026 shortages in minerals, medical supplies, and semiconductors, and the leadership needed to scale AI effectively.

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INSIGHT

Avoid One-Month Trade Conclusions

One-month trade deficit swings are noisy and misleading for decision-making.
Use multi-month averages to reveal true trade trends and drivers.

INSIGHT

Warehouse Market Whiplash Requires Long Views

Warehouse demand shows whiplash from tight to surplus to rebound, so planners must watch utilization metrics.
Long lead times for capacity mean network choices require multi-year thinking.

ADVICE

Bring Utilization Into Network Planning

Integrate warehouse utilization into planning to link network design and inventory strategies.
Run scenario planning on trade-offs between holding costs and service levels before expanding space.

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The global supply chain landscape is shifting once again, and today, we break down the economic signals, market movements, and leadership strategies shaping what’s next. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

Hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy dive into the latest U.S. trade data, including a widening trade deficit that highlights the growing complexity of global commerce and policy. The conversation also explores renewed momentum in the warehouse market, with signs that companies are doubling down on long-term infrastructure and capacity planning. From looming shortages in critical minerals, medical supplies, and semiconductors to rising cost pressures in 2026, this episode unpacks what supply chain leaders need to be preparing for now.

The discussion continues with insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos on the challenge of scaling AI across large enterprises, revealing why technology alone isn’t enough without the right organizational design and leadership mindset. Plus, Dyci Sfregola, Founder and CEO of New Gen Architects, joins the show to share how collaboration, executive alignment, and intentional change management are key to building resilient, future-ready supply chains.

If you’re navigating uncertainty, investing in innovation, and building for long-term success, this episode delivers timely insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Additional Links & Resources:

EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
National Supply Chain Day: https://streamyard.com/watch/QtED7yJ4y9qW
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-1-Feb-2026
Cycle Labs: https://bit.ly/Meet-CycleLabs-At-Manifest
Trade deficit soared 94% in November and was higher than a year ago, despite tariff efforts: https://cnb.cx/45GYb2J
Prologis Revenue Climbs as Warehouse Demand Rebounds: https://bit.ly/3M7kyb1
Supply chain shortages: What’s at risk in 2026? https://bit.ly/Shortages-And-RisingCosts
Next Level Construction Management: https://amzn.to/3LXI36l
Davos 2026: Leaders on why scaling AI still feels hard - and what to do about it: https://bit.ly/3O4sMkJ
Why Can’t America Train Workers for a Trillion-Dollar Industry? https://bit.ly/Education-Problem-Reverse-Logistics
Connect with Dyci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dycimanns/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Follow Scott on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-trade-gaps-supply-shortages-1542