Supply Chain Indicators: Mid-February 2023

Written By Jennifer Joslyn

In today's global economy, the supply chain industry is constantly evolving. From shifting consumer demands to disruptive technologies and geopolitical events, supply chain professionals need to stay on top of the latest industry indicators to anticipate potential disruptions and stay ahead of the competition.

In this post, we'll dive into the latest supply chain industry indicators and what they mean for your business. Let's get started!

The rising cost of fuel is really driving us up the wall

This chart offers a broad perspective on the current sales prices of gasoline and diesel. While historical high prices have now receded, prices for both fuels – especially diesel – remain elevated. However, the expectation of lower demand for fuel, and continued high production, suggests prices will continue to slide in 2023 and 2024.  

Recreational marijuana grew on us

This chart is not a surprise considering recreational marijuana is now legal in 21 states and legal for medical use in 14 others. Among truck drivers, marijuana is the top substance identified in drug tests – nearly 41,000 tested positive in 2022. See more about this issue here.

UPS workers want to get a raise out of them

There is genuine concern that UPS faces a major strike this summer when the union contract expires. This chart spotlights wages as the key issue on the negotiation table. The ratio of UPS’s compensation to sales is the lowest in over 25 years.  

We heard the economy is just having a recession... time!

America’s top priority is the economy – by wide margins. 

EV battery supply chain is really electrifying

The EV battery supply-chain, by source country. The US is behind, far behind, China. 

Storage Wars

Warehouse and distribution centers are pushing prices higher. U.S. storage prices are up 1.4% month-over-month and nearly 11% year-over-year. 

A bright idea: reducing energy consumption

U.S. energy consumption by source – in 2021. Renewables still have a long way to go. 

Shipping’s out of its tight spot

Carrier spot rates are falling across the board. It’s in fact a shipper’s market. Now is the time for shippers to find efficiencies. 

The balanced relationship between import & exports

Decoupling? Not really. U.S. – China trade is close to a record high. Political posturing aside, the flow of imports continues.

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Jennifer Joslyn
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