From Origin to Destination: How Sourcing Shifts Are Changing US Shipping Patterns

US importers from Asia caught flat-footed by a surge of orders in the second half of 2020 turned to Chinese factories to meet the demand. US containerized imports from China in 2020 rose 2 percent year over year, after falling 10.9 percent between 2018 and 2019, according to IHS Markit data. That’s a clear sign that despite some shifting of production to lower-cost countries, the so-called world’s factory won’t be knocked off its perch anytime soon. Yet, procurement pressures to keep production costs will drive US importers to look for sourcing alternatives, and they will have to adjust their networks and inventory management accordingly. Some importers looking for greater control over simply cost savings are shifting production to Mexico. It’s a delicate dance, requiring importers and their transportation providers to understand the risks and opportunities of diversifying sourcing and the logistics implications.

This webcast will analyze the factors in play — from tariffs to near-sourcing — that should be front of mind for all cargo owners struggling to balance the need to meet surging consumer demand with rampant supply chain disruption.

Moderator:

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor, Trans-Pacific, JOC, Maritime & Trade, IHS Markit

Daniel Krassenstein, Global Supply Chain Director, Procon Pacific

Jon Monroe, President, Jon Monroe Consulting

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