How the World Ran Out of Everything
99% Invisible
Deep Dive
Why did the global supply chain become vulnerable during the pandemic?
Decades of corporate greed, overseas manufacturing, and a focus on cheap goods created a system with significant vulnerabilities.
What key invention enabled the modern global supply chain?
The shipping container standardized the movement of goods, making global trade more efficient.
Why did the shipping container reduce the need for dock workers?
Automation and standardized containers diminished the need for manual labor, reducing costs and labor disputes.
What concept from World War II influenced modern supply chain efficiency?
Just-in-time production, pioneered by Toyota, aimed to reduce inventory costs by delivering parts as needed.
Why did just-in-time production become problematic during the pandemic?
The pandemic's unpredictable demand spikes and supply disruptions exposed the risks of minimal inventory.
How did China become the world's manufacturing hub?
Post-Cultural Revolution reforms, market-embracing policies, and entry into the World Trade Organization facilitated industrial growth.
Why did many companies struggle to move production out of China after the pandemic?
China's established infrastructure, supplier networks, and ease of doing business made it difficult to relocate production elsewhere.
What strategy are some companies adopting to build supply chain resilience?
Nearshoring, or moving production closer to the consumer, to reduce dependency on distant suppliers.
What regulatory changes does the author suggest to improve the global supply chain?
Stronger antitrust enforcement and labor safety regulations to balance corporate profits with worker welfare.
How did the pandemic reveal the human cost of an efficient global supply chain?
Workers faced unsafe conditions, low wages, and job insecurity, highlighting the need for better labor practices.
- Cargo ships were anchored off the coast of Southern California, unable to unload.
- Grocery store shelves were empty of essential items like flour, olive oil, and yeast.
- The pandemic exposed the fragility of the global supply chain, which had been on the brink of a meltdown for decades.
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