Why “big boats” might be partially responsible for inflation

May 24, 2022
Supply chain journalist Rachel Premack says megaships deserve some of the blame for shipping logjams and increased costs.
“I hate big boats, and so should you,” wrote FreightWaves editorial director Rachel Premack. The Ever Given container ship, above, sails along Egypt's Suez Canal.
Mahmoud Khaled/AFP via Getty Images

Infant formula crisis teaches lesson about market concentration

May 20, 2022
When a few companies control most of the market, problems arise.
You’ll find market concentration everywhere, from crop seeds to airlines to, yes, baby formula.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

Retailers bulked up their inventories during the worst of the pandemic. Now they're stuck with them.

May 19, 2022
Big stores like Walmart and Target didn't foresee consumers pivoting away from shopping and toward going out.
Large retailers like Target and Walmart stocked up on goods — like office furniture or home decor — that shoppers bought during the pandemic. But consumers' spending habits are changing.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Biden invokes Defense Production Act to address nationwide formula shortage

May 18, 2022
Supplies of baby formula across the country have been severely curtailed after a February recall exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions.
A sign tells customers about purchase limits on baby formula at a Maryland Target on May 16. The ongoing formula shortage follows supply chain issues and a February recall.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

For this Detroit restauranteur, business is still "day to day"

May 18, 2022
For Lester Gouvia, chef-owner of Norma G's Detroit, business in the pandemic economy has been a "rollercoaster."
"We do have some good days, we do still have some bad days," says Lester Gouvia, chef-owner of Norma G's Detroit, a Caribbean restaurant.
Courtesy Lester Gouvia

More than 40% of baby formula out of stock, data company says

May 13, 2022
Just four companies make most of the baby formula in the U.S. After a recall and plant closure at one, there's not enough supply to meet the need.
When you only have a few companies in the country that make something, shortages are one of the risks, says Brian Dittmeier of the National WIC Association.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

California's drought is squeezing farmers and threatening food prices

May 10, 2022
“There are a lot of empty fields that aren't being planted — something I've never seen before," say Terranova Ranch's Don Cameron.
In California, almond trees are being removed and hundreds of thousands of acres of rice won't be planted because of the drought, says Don Cameron of Terranova Ranch.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

China's zero-COVID policy is sending ripples through the world economy

May 9, 2022
As one region after another locks down, companies struggle and delays hinder the production and transportation of goods.
As China continues its lockdowns to prevent coronavirus transmission, delays hit manufacturing and transport operations.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

The hunt is on for elusive baby formula

May 2, 2022
A product recall plus, yes, supply chain woes have some parents driving hours to satisfy their child's nutritional needs.
Baby formula has been pricier and in short supply thanks to supply chain issues and a February product recall.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

This manufacturer sees little improvement in snarled global supply chains

Apr 26, 2022
“It’s the kind of stuff that keeps you awake at night,” said Teresa Asbury, a senior executive at the Legacy Cos.
Pandemic lockdowns in China are stacking more challenges onto overloaded shipping networks.
Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP via Getty Images