Maintaining ethical supply chains

Human rights groups and researchers are warning that a combination of increased unemployment and new demand for labour in expanding areas like personal protective equipment (PPE) and agriculture means there is a real risk of increased worker exploitation and even slavery.

COVID-19 won’t rattle East Asian supply chains

Many observers argued the pandemic would mark the end of global supply chains, with a massive ‘reshoring’ of production to developed countries, but this seems unlikely to happen.

No easy fix for Australia’s supply-chain dependence on China

Despite China’s trade war against Australia, our dependence on Chinese supplies is so broad that finding alternative suppliers remains a major challenge.

Resilient supply chains can inoculate against vaccine nationalism

As governments focus on making supply chains more resilient, they would be wise to neither overstate the problem nor understate the private sector’s response. Critically, they must ensure a global, fair and functional vaccine supply chain.

Making supply chains great again

COVID-19 highlighted the interconnected nature of modern economies and how disruptions can spread rapidly to other countries through complex production systems.

Supply chain cooperation comes to the fore

Reports are circulating of a trilateral exploration by Japan, India and Australia of a ‘Supply Chain Resilience Initiative’ to secure supply chains and reduce dependence on China.

Australia’s drug dependence: A multi-level response to supply-chain insecurity

Supply problems at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic sparked concerns about fragile pharmaceutical supply chains. Australia must consider how it can drive forward its domestic industry while also being a strong voice for regional cooperation.

How to reduce offshore supply chain risks and create onshore manufacturing opportunities

There are a number of definitive ways Australia can improve innovation and onshore manufacturing while leveraging offshore capability and reducing supply chain risks.

Global value chains in the post-COVID economy

COVID-19 is likely to accelerate the move toward ‘peer value chains’ among countries with similar institutional arrangements.

A new agenda for more resilient supply chains

The COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown ordered by governments to contain its spread and the unexpected oil price drop in March 2020 have crippled the world economy. These multiple shocks were a harsh wake-up call illustrating inadequate levels of national preparedness.

Securing supply chains after COVID-19

Supply chains can be made more resilient by making society more resilient. People should be able to shift jobs to respond to crises and external shocks as production priorities change rapidly.

Democracies need alliances to secure vital supply chains

Relying more on domestic production and our political allies for trade will have its costs, but it will also have benefits for governments, for business and ultimately for citizens seeking greater security and better health.