Supply Chain Threats Beyond COVID-19

While COVID-19 remains a primary concern, a number of additional disruptions and risks impact supply chains. These are the risks to consider.

  • Cargo theft of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies globally.
  • Increased warehouse and facility theft, particularly throughout Europe.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued an unprecedented number of Withhold Release Orders for products believed to be produced with forced labor.

  • Ongoing issues with food fraud due to global movement restrictions as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 on transportation.
  • Continued transportation disruptions due to climate change and natural disasters.
  • Natural disasters posed a significant risk to supply chains in the third quarter of 2020, disrupting utilities, halting operations, and creating ground transportation delays.
  • Dry conditions in the Northwestern United States will likely continue to contribute to the risk of wildfires.

Cargo theft continued globally throughout 2020, with the following trends influencing the third quarter:

  • Warehouse facilities were the most frequently targeted for cargo theft in Europe.
  • Food and beverage products were the most stolen commodities in Asia.
  • Thieves increasingly targeted medical supplies in the Middle East and Africa
  • India experienced an uptick in cargo thefts, regressing back to pre-COVID-19 levels.

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