Supply chains in the last quarter of 2024 are facing some serious challenges that would make any logistics professional anxious. While we can breathe a little easier now that 45,000 dockworkers on the East Coast and Gulf Coast have agreed to pause their strike, there’s still a lot at stake. Everyone is hoping for a long-term agreement by the January 15, 2025, deadline to truly put worries to rest.
Adding to the stress, Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, and extreme weather events are now the biggest threat to supply chains in 2024, (scoring a risk score of 100%) On top of that, there has been a surge of cyberattacks targeting logistics systems, creating an unprecedented supply chain crisis.
Geopolitical tensions are also ramping up, particularly in the Middle East. Major companies are trying to avoid conflict areas in the Red Sea, especially with recent negotiations between the Houthis and Russia over advanced anti-ship missiles. We can’t forget about the ongoing war in Ukraine or the continued tensions in the South China Sea, either.
So, what’s the key to navigating this tough landscape? It’s all about being flexible, having foresight, and preparing plenty of backup plans.
Here is our recap from 2024 in the supply chain and retail space that shaped Q4 and the rest of the year.
