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Supply chains are still disrupted, corporate economists report

Jul 25, 2022
A record-high percentage of firms are facing supply shortages, the National Association for Business Economics found, and most are passing cost increases om to customers.
There are more new cars available to consumers, but it's more because of slowing demand than easing supply chain issues.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

As baby formula plant reopens, can the U.S. diversify the marketplace?

Jul 11, 2022
Almost all the formula bought in the U.S. is made domestically, and imports face multiple barriers.
The U.S. imposes tariffs on formula imports. Instead of lifting them, the Biden administration is trying to simplify the FDA approval process for certain foreign producers.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

"What supply chain crisis?" say Target, Walmart and Home Depot

Nov 17, 2021
Target, Walmart and Home Depot told investors they have more than adequate inventory to weather the holidays.
Large retailers including Home Depot, Target and Walmart have all reported well-stocked inventories ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Supply chain snags hit books

Nov 10, 2021
Shipping delays, reduced printing capacity and a paper shortage plague publishers and retailers as holiday shopping gets underway.
Publishers are likely to prioritize large book retailers like Barnes & Noble, above, for distribution rather than smaller, indie stores.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

With shipping costs sky-high, is importing products even worth it?

Nov 8, 2021
For some businesses, the answer is no, but it depends on the value of the product in question.
With costly manufacturing and delayed shipping timelines, the value of certain products is shifting in the eyes of retailers. Above, people watch a container ship at the Port of Los Angeles.
Mario Tama via Getty Images

California farmers say their crops are caught in the supply chain

Nov 4, 2021
Exports are delayed for key crops like walnuts, many of which are grown for overseas customers.
California farmers may have to sell crops domestically due to supply chain issues. Above, vehicles drive past farmland and a freight train near Pixley, California, in August.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Supply chain acquisitions help streamline retail mess

Nov 2, 2021
The pandemic and global supply chain backlog has transformed the relationship between retailers and supply chain companies.
American Eagle Outfitters said it will acquire a fulfillment company, Quiet Logistics, to strengthen its supply chain.
Tim Boyle via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Why everything is “out of stock” right now

Oct 11, 2021
Four charts and a new series to help you understand ongoing product shortages.
Patrick Baranic, general manager of the Marine Exchange of Southern California, discusses the delays at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with “Marketplace’s” Kai Ryssdal.
Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

Here's another shortage to add to the list: paint

Sep 29, 2021
Ryan Amato of Ryan Amato Painting in Easton, Pennsylvania, talks us through the challenges.
Thanks to labor shortages and a lack of resin, paint is in short supply.
Ming Yeung/Getty Images

What happens to consumer demand when products are scarce?

Jun 11, 2021
Do you wait? Change your plans? Buy something else?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images