The hottest Supply Chain Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

How do companies react to geoeconomic pressures?

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Tariffs, sanctions, and export controls raise input and sales prices and generally reduce sales and profit margins, with tariffs having the biggest price effect.
  2. Firms that are targeted by others' export controls or tariffs are most likely to boost domestic investment and R&D and consider bringing production home.
  3. Overall, these measures rarely achieve broad backshoring; instead they mainly increase costs for consumers and squeeze company profits.

Keep Going University: Managing Tariffs and Shipping for Hardware Startups

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Founders need to be aware of unexpected costs, like tariffs, that can hit their business hard. It's important to have a plan in place before these situations arise.
  2. When facing high tariffs, businesses may have to make tough choices like raising prices or assuming losses. Flexibility is key to navigate these challenges successfully.
  3. Margins can make a big difference in surviving financial shocks. Having good margins helps a business stay afloat during unpredictable situations.

The Disposable Economy

The Polymerist • 116 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Tech companies rely on growth until they are profitable.
  2. Continuous cost cutting leads to disposable products in the economy.
  3. Startups can disrupt chemical industry by creating equivalent or substitute products.

Scaling Up Battery Production with 425+ New Factories

Exponential Industry • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. The battery supply chain consists of six main segments, including raw material mining, material processing, and recycling.
  2. Battery pack manufacturing plants are expected to increase globally to over 500 by 2030 due to the rising demand for electric vehicles.
  3. Choosing the right battery chemistry is crucial for battery OEMs as it impacts performance, costs, and manufacturing efficiency.

Taking a Peep at America's Factory Boom

Exponential Industry • 19 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. On-demand manufacturing platforms and digital twins are hot trends as supply chain shortages continue.
  2. Companies in the USA and Japan are reshoring production, leading to a surge in construction spending for manufacturing facilities.
  3. Mexico's auto parts industry is adapting for the EV era by focusing on new materials and technologies.
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Predictable Chaos: Trump’s Tariffs and the Fragility of Global Supply Chains

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Tariffs can hurt both businesses and consumers by increasing costs, leading to higher prices for goods. Companies that depend on global supply chains may struggle to adapt to these changes.
  2. Supply chains are fragile and can get disrupted easily. When one part faces issues, it can affect the entire chain, leading to bigger economic problems.
  3. Flexibility in supply chains is important. Businesses need to have options for different suppliers and production routes to handle unexpected changes and avoid significant losses.

Software Supply Chain Attack Types

Resilient Cyber • 39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Software supply chain attacks can happen in many ways. It’s important to understand the different attack types to protect against them effectively.
  2. Negligence in software practices can lead to serious problems. Simple mistakes like not checking dependencies can let bad code slip into your projects.
  3. Using digital signing helps ensure software integrity, but it’s not foolproof. It's vital to use additional security measures to keep systems safe from multiple vulnerabilities.

After the Global Factory

European Straits • 7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Apple was able to succeed in manufacturing by controlling key parts of its value chain while outsourcing the rest. This allowed them to maintain high value without owning all the factories.
  2. Companies don’t need to own everything to be successful in manufacturing; they just need to control the important parts where they can influence the entire process.
  3. Manufacturing is complex and tricky. Successful companies find ways to balance costs with strategies that create value, ensuring they earn profits even when things get challenging.

164 | Food Fraud Special |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Supply Chain
  1. Food fraud prevention needs dedicated teams. These teams should include members from various departments to effectively address fraud risks.
  2. Underweight ingredients can be a form of food fraud if there's intent to deceive. If companies consistently deliver less than what was ordered, it could be seen as cheating customers.
  3. Staying informed about food safety and fraud trends is crucial. Changes in supply chains and economic conditions can create new opportunities for fraud.

offspring

let them eat cake • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 22
🍲 Food & Drink Supply Chain
  1. The pandemic has accelerated the growth of 15-minute grocery delivery and farm-taxi companies serving urban areas.
  2. These services vary in pricing and structure, with one being venture-funded and the other more community-oriented.
  3. Differences in pricing are influenced by labor value, externalities, and capital intensity, affecting the potential for automation and resilience in the long run.

Welcoming MVMNT to the Equal Ventures Portfolio

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Equal Ventures invested in MVMNT, a platform democratizing access to software for freight shippers and brokers
  2. They use a freemium model to address the low willingness of non-digitally native industry buyers to pay for software
  3. MVMNT monetizes through fintech products like QuickPay, insurance, and payments, making their offerings free to customers

12/5/22: Temu - Pinduoduo's Cross-Border E-commerce Platform

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Pinduoduo's Temu app is a significant player in cross-border e-commerce by targeting the U.S. market, mirroring Shein's strategy.
  2. Temu operates with a focus on a strong supply chain, including recruitment from Shein and rigorous merchant selection processes.
  3. To succeed in the competitive market, Temu needs to improve customer acquisition efficiency, logistics, and after-sales services while expanding globally.

Stop blaming rising egg prices on market power

Economic Forces • 11 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Rising egg prices don't always mean companies are taking advantage of their market power. Sometimes, they can be explained by supply issues, like avian flu affecting chicken populations.
  2. When there are fewer eggs available due to supply disruptions, prices can rise a lot even if demand doesn’t change much. This is because people still need eggs for cooking and baking.
  3. Just because prices are high doesn't mean there’s unfair competition. It’s important to look at the whole supply chain and how supply changes can affect prices in a competitive market.

Knowde

Axial • 37 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Axial partners with great founders and inventors in early-stage life sciences companies
  2. Knowde aims to modernize the global chemical industry through its B2B marketplace
  3. Knowde's platform streamlines chemical procurement for buyers and provides digital storefronts for suppliers

The Week in Repair: June 19-25

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. FTC is taking action against companies like Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse for limiting customers' right to repair, which restricts choices and can cost consumers more money
  2. Exploring concepts like the circular economy vs. degrowth can lead to business innovations that prioritize sustainability and affordability by reusing and recycling materials
  3. Congress is pushing for investigations into the automotive industry's right to repair, aiming to protect consumers' ability to repair their own products and improve competitive repair markets

Is Inflation In 2024 Fueled By Supply Or Demand?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 11 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Supply Chain
  1. Inflation in 2024 could be caused by supply issues, like hurricanes and strikes, which disrupt the availability of goods and services.
  2. Much of the high inflation seen after the pandemic was actually driven by demand rather than just supply problems.
  3. As supply conditions improve, inflation rates might decrease, but currently, tighter monetary policy and slowed spending suggest that inflation could remain high.

Q* + Tigris = ?

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 30 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Sam Altman's vision includes building an integrated supply chain for AI.
  2. Altman wants to combine AI with powerful chips and phones designed by LoveFrom.
  3. Cerebras Systems is key in developing advanced AI chips for Open AI's superintelligence vision.

168 | What's Going on With Italian-Chinese Tomato Puree? | GM to the Rescue |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Supply Chain
  1. Some Italian tomato purees sold in the UK and Germany might contain Chinese tomatoes, raising questions about food labeling and consumer trust. It's not clear if this is legally fraudulent or just a complicated supply chain issue.
  2. There are concerns that tomato suppliers from China may use forced labor, which complicates the legal responsibilities for retailers. Supermarkets need to be aware of their suppliers' practices to avoid compliance issues.
  3. Sugar taxes in some American cities have shown to effectively reduce purchases of sugary drinks, especially among lower-income households. This indicates that financial incentives can change consumer behavior.

Rethinking the Retail Apocalypse: A Closer Look at Retail’s Evolution

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Despite the rise of online shopping, physical retail locations still play a crucial role in the retail landscape.
  2. The concept of omnichannel retailing, combining online and physical sales channels, has become essential for many retailers.
  3. Understanding consumer preferences and integrating online and offline channels intelligently is crucial for the future of retail.

How to use blockchain to ramp up your global supply chain

The Green Techpreneur • 20 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Blockchain can be used to bring transparency to supply chains by tracking transactions and transport from farmers to consumers.
  2. To succeed as a greentech entrepreneur, be prepared for financial challenges at the start and prioritize storytelling to engage consumers.
  3. Implementing blockchain in the supply chain can face challenges like educating farmers in remote areas and motivating consumers to engage with the technology.

5/20/22: How Shein Works - An Update

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 20 May 22
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Shein has become a major Chinese company in fashion and e-commerce, valued at $100Bn, marking a significant presence in the industry.
  2. Shein's success is attributed to its flexible supply chain and innovative manufacturing approach, focusing on quick production and a vast selection of products.
  3. Shein is expanding beyond fashion into categories like accessories and home items, with efforts to improve quality and sustainability, potentially evolving into a platform rather than just a brand.

Issue #87 | Meet the Food Fraud Perpetrators | Good Mould versus Bad Mould | Child Labour in Food | Cotton Candy in the Shower |

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink Supply Chain
  1. Some molds are safe to eat and even deliberately added to certain foods for their desirable properties, while others can produce harmful mycotoxins and are considered unsafe for consumption.
  2. Food fraud perpetrators can be categorized as opportunistic or organized, with organized criminals often operating across different industries and committing more complex and long-term frauds with significant impacts.
  3. Child labor violations in the food industry are a major ethical concern, even in developed countries like the USA, where violations have been increasing, and companies within the food industry are found to be the main offenders.

Some tariffs are worse than others

Economic Forces • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Tariffs can hurt jobs and the economy, especially when they target parts instead of finished products. This can raise costs for manufacturers and lead to job losses.
  2. Not all tariffs are created equal; some can actually help domestic industries if designed carefully, but they can also create odd workarounds that waste resources.
  3. Policymakers need to think carefully about how they set tariffs. Simple solutions often lead to complex problems that can waste money and resources.

Hiring VC MBA Interns with experience in Insurance, Supply Chain / Logistics & Climate / Energy

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 21
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. The company is hiring MBA interns with experience in Insurance, Supply Chain/Logistics, and Climate/Energy
  2. Interns will research industry themes and investment opportunities remotely for 10 weeks in the summer, with a stipend included
  3. Ideal candidates should have experience in these sectors, be intellectually curious, professional, self-directed, and friendly

4 Supply Chain Themes for 2021

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 21
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. 2021 will be a record year for supply chain investing due to problems to solve and available capital.
  2. The rise of FBA sellers has created demand for multi-channel logistics solutions, especially for D2C brands.
  3. SMBs and mid-market seek working capital, presenting an opportunity for startups to embed trade finance solutions within the supply chain stack.

Uber-Expedia, Q-commerce, and the seductive lies of network effects

Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech • 4 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Uber's business model relies on local advantages, not just growing its user base. It needs to focus on economies of density and fixed costs to truly succeed in local markets.
  2. Quick commerce thrives on efficiency by using small warehouses close to customers. This helps deliver products faster and cheaper, which makes it competitive against traditional e-commerce.
  3. Rather than looking for network effects, local businesses should focus on how to optimize operations in areas with high demand. This includes owning production and managing inventory effectively.

20230513

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Exploring interesting topics like geographic arbitrage and apocalyptic infrastructures
  2. Discussions on supply chain incidents, hacks, and renewable energy sources
  3. Updates on tech trends like AI risks, generative AI, and quantum computing

🔮E10: Pushing Moore's Law to the Limit with High-NA EUV (aka Nanoscale Chip Printing)

Let Us Face the Future • 1 HN point • 27 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. High-NA EUV lithography enables more precise and densely packed chip patterns below 10nm, crucial for continuing Moore's Law.
  2. The first High-NA EUV systems are expected to be available commercially around 2025-2026, with known engineering hurdles to overcome.
  3. High-NA EUV may produce chips worth $200 billion annually, impacting advanced logic, analog, photonic, and quantum semiconductors.

What to do with rotting software?

On Engineering • 1 HN point • 03 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Deprecating and removing open source projects can have major consequences on dependent projects in the software ecosystem.
  2. Maintaining a library may not always be feasible due to various factors like engineering allocations and dependencies.
  3. Forking a project can be a viable option for businesses heavily reliant on a library that is no longer actively maintained.

ACR #25: Can Blockchain Solve Food Security?

Africa Crypto Report (ACR) • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Blockchain is being used in Africa to improve transparency and efficiency in the food supply chain.
  2. eFama App by Coronet Blockchain helps farmers connect directly with buyers, ensuring product quality and eliminating intermediaries.
  3. The application aims to help farmers achieve product quality assurance, access markets directly, and build sustainable businesses.

On Security, Part 1

The Product Person • 0 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Security industry is rapidly growing with startups reaching billion-dollar valuations in just a few years.
  2. The increasing number of cyber attacks has shifted security from a cost center to a revenue driver.
  3. Security is becoming a crucial requirement for companies entering into 6-figure ACV deals.

Saturday Sprouting Reads (Indian Agri-Fintech, Ag Drones Business Models, Agri-Input Supply Chains, Morality of Food, ESG Pushback)

Agribusiness Matters • 0 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. Agricultural credit usage in India differs based on land holdings, with larger holders relying more on institutional credit.
  2. Drones in agriculture have potential for spraying services and precision agriculture, with a future trajectory similar to call centers.
  3. Agritech startups are focusing on digitizing the agri-input supply chain to enhance operations and revenue growth.

Industrial LLMs: Outside the Shop

Exponential Industry • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Supply Chain
  1. Large language models help in reducing time-to-market and operational costs in complex product design.
  2. Generative AI aids in identifying and mitigating risks in supply chain management.
  3. The integration of AI technologies represents a new paradigm in industrial research and design.

Creating A Tech Money Machine

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
💼 Business Supply Chain
  1. An engineering organization is like a profit-maker's dream with adjustable products and low delivery costs.
  2. Technology offers a gold mine of opportunities, but there are traps to watch out for.
  3. Join the Squirrel Squadron for access to live events, weekly emails, and an executive forum.