The Growing Trend of Supply Chain Localization: Shifting Production Closer to Home
In recent years, businesses across the globe, particularly in Western countries such as the U.S., have been increasingly shifting their supply chains closer to home. This trend of "localizing" supply chains is driven by a combination of economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant vulnerabilities in global supply chains, from delays and shortages to rising costs. These disruptions have pushed companies to rethink their strategies, focusing on resilience and reducing reliance on distant suppliers.