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05.07.10 Why Is The US Supply Chain Broken?  By Christopher P. Sciacca I was in my home town of New York to surprise my mom for her birthday. On the flight I was putting together a shopping list of a few things that I wanted to pick up, including: 1. Measuring Cup with English measurements 2. Clothes for work 3. Honey Dripper 4. Case for my iPhone 5. T-Shirts 6. New Watch Coincidentally, after putting together the list I was reading an article about the huge trade deficit between the US and China. This got me thinking and I thought about how I could play a role in reducing that deficit, so I decided to avoid buying anything made in China. After 3 days I can tell you it was nearly impossible and required me to look far and wide. With the measuring cup I struck after two stores. I do most of my clothes shopping at J Crew and everything from socks to dress shirts were all made in China. The iPhone case as well, China, China, China. Oddly, the honey dripper, which was made of wood at Crate & Barrel was made in the USA and it only cost $1.49. Which means a Made in China version is probably .05 cents, but no matter I expect to pay more. After going downtown I found a shop that produced t-shirts right in New York City. Again, they cost $25 each, but I felt good about helping this small shop on in NY called Ernst Sewn. And lastly I bought a Swiss-made watch from Bell & Ross. While, yes I live in Switzerland, for some reason its much cheaper to buy in the US. Why should you care? Well, as an American, I can see why our trade balance is so off. Living in Switzerland and before now in Austria it is much, much easier to find locally manufactured products from pens and pencils to clothes. So if anything look twice at the country of origin of products you buy. Not only does buying local help the local economy you are also reducing your carbon footprint, since Made in China means it needs to be shipped to you. Comments About the Author: Christopher P. Sciacca is located in Brno, Czech Republic where he is the manager of strategic communications for Europe and Africa for IBM's global delivery business. His responsibilities include helping global delivery employees across Europe and Africa understand IBM's strategy and how they contribute to it. He is also introducing the latest in Web 2.0 technologies including virtual worlds and social networks to employees to help them make connections that count globally. He is also responsible for external communications, where he works with members of the press, academia, government officials and analysts to help them understand IBM's strategy of becoming a globally integrated company. He currently keeps an acclaimed and widely read blog called "Why supply chains rock?", which takes a simple, yet entertaining look at the impact of supply chains on daily life. |
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