Global Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Efficiency and Resilience

Global Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Efficiency and Resilience

Faced with the contradiction between sales growth and inventory reduction, companies are divided on lean supply chain strategies. Some choose to increase inventory to mitigate risks, while others adhere to lean principles, improving inventory management through process optimization and data analysis. This article explores how companies can balance efficiency and risk in a volatile environment to achieve sustainable development. The key is finding the right balance between minimizing waste and ensuring sufficient stock to meet customer demand and navigate potential disruptions.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

The global supply chain faces severe challenges, with lead times reaching record highs and accelerating due to port congestion, raw material shortages, and labor shortages. Companies are actively responding by exploring alternative ports, using air freight instead of sea freight, and planning ahead. Labor shortage is the most significant challenge, with unsustainable price levels. It is recommended that companies strengthen risk management, diversify suppliers, optimize inventory, and embrace digital transformation to mitigate these disruptions and build resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a webinar focusing on enhancing customs resilience through human capital development. Key areas discussed included organizational culture, working models, skills enhancement, and digital transformation. The webinar provided strategic guidance and practical experiences for customs administrators worldwide, aiming to improve human resource management practices within customs administrations globally. It emphasized the importance of investing in people to build stronger, more adaptable customs organizations capable of navigating evolving challenges and contributing to global trade security and facilitation.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Asia-Pacific customs administrations in upgrading their plastic waste management. Through virtual diagnostics, tailored implementation plans were developed for Indonesia and the Philippines. A regional workshop is planned to strengthen cooperation in addressing the challenge of 'foreign waste' and protecting the blue skies of the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities and ensure compliance with the Basel Convention, ultimately combating the illegal trade and improper disposal of plastic waste.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexico Shares Customs Expertise with Colombias Tax Agency

Mexico Shares Customs Expertise with Colombias Tax Agency

The Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the Colombian Tax and Customs Administration (DIAN) shared experiences in risk management and post-clearance audit through a virtual study mission. Mexican experts detailed their practices in risk assessment, cargo monitoring, and customs procedure automation. This provided valuable insights for Colombia's customs modernization efforts, helping them build a more intelligent clearance system. The cooperation highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing customs efficiency and security, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows between the two nations.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Supply Chains Adapt to Postpandemic Challenges

Global Supply Chains Adapt to Postpandemic Challenges

Following widespread vaccine adoption, supply chains will face opportunities including demand recovery, optimization, and technology adoption. However, challenges such as demand volatility, labor shortages, geopolitical risks, and inflationary pressures will also emerge. Companies should implement diversified, flexible, and digital strategies. Strengthening risk management and collaboration, while focusing on sustainability, is crucial. Building a more resilient supply chain is essential to navigate future uncertainties and adapt to the evolving landscape. These strategies will enable businesses to better withstand disruptions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Retailers Face Supply Chain Strains Postsuez Canal Blockage

Retailers Face Supply Chain Strains Postsuez Canal Blockage

The Suez Canal blockage exposed the fragility of global supply chains. Retail giants like Walmart and H&M, heavily reliant on maritime transport, faced inventory shortages and increased shipping costs. Companies should diversify their supply chains, increase inventory reserves, and strengthen risk management to improve supply chain transparency and resilience. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, developing contingency plans, and investing in technology for better visibility. Proactive measures are crucial to mitigate future disruptions and ensure business continuity in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Trade Firms Face Risks in Express Shipping

Global Trade Firms Face Risks in Express Shipping

This article delves into the customs clearance obstacles, logistics delays, cargo damage or loss, prohibited and restricted goods, and surcharge disputes that foreign trade enterprises may face during international express transportation. It proposes corresponding risk management strategies to help these businesses mitigate potential risks and ensure the smooth operation of cross-border trade. The aim is to provide practical guidance on navigating the complexities of international shipping and minimizing financial losses associated with unforeseen challenges in the global supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Weber Raises Prices Amid Soaring Shipping Costs

Weber Raises Prices Amid Soaring Shipping Costs

Weber grills faced a quadruple surge in sea freight costs, forcing multiple price increases. This analysis examines their response strategies, the influencing factors in the sea freight market, and future prospects. It offers insights for other businesses on supply chain risk management, diversification, and digital transformation. Data analytics provides decision support in areas such as freight rate forecasting and supply chain optimization. The case highlights the importance of proactive strategies to mitigate the impact of volatile shipping costs on profitability and competitiveness.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Warehouses Adopt Tech to Enhance Efficiency Customer Service

Warehouses Adopt Tech to Enhance Efficiency Customer Service

Optimizing distribution centers is crucial to meet consumers' high expectations for fast delivery. enVista's ebook, 'The Eight Elements of a Successful Distribution Center Optimization Strategy,' offers a comprehensive guide covering key aspects such as operational assessment, facility design, inventory management, and direct-to-consumer strategies. By optimizing these elements, businesses can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience, ultimately gaining a competitive edge. The ebook provides actionable insights for streamlining processes and maximizing the effectiveness of distribution center operations.

01/19/2026 Warehousing
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