The Global Supply Chain Is Still A Mess. When Will It Get Better?
Consider This from NPR
NPR
4.2 • 6.2K Ratings
🗓️ 28 September 2021
⏱️ 14 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
NPR's Scott Horsley reports on the interconnected nature of those chains — and what happens when a single part delays manufacturing by months at a time.
University of Michigan economist Betsey Stevenson explains why labor-related delays and shortages are not going away any time soon.
In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | In Pennsylvania, they are rationing booze. |
| 0:04.0 | If you go to a state store, you may only be allowed to buy two bottles of your favorite alcohol. |
| 0:09.5 | The state liquor board says with supplies running so short, they had to create purchase limits for individuals and businesses on certain brands. |
| 0:18.0 | 43 products on the list. It includes bourbons, champagne, Hennessy and Patron. |
| 0:24.0 | Purchase limits are also newly in place at Costco. |
| 0:27.5 | No more stocking up on toilet paper, cleaning supplies and other items at Costco. |
| 0:32.0 | And unlike the start of the pandemic, it's not because people are panicking. |
| 0:36.0 | It's because of supply chain issues overseas. |
| 0:39.0 | Many more companies are dealing with the same thing. |
| 0:42.5 | Supply chain delays. |
| 0:44.0 | And product shortages. |
| 0:45.5 | All types of goods. |
| 0:47.0 | Nike is warning of delays through next year. |
| 0:49.5 | Home Depot and IKEA are literally chartering their own shipping vessels to move product faster. |
| 0:56.5 | And even though it's still September, it is the season for holiday panic. |
| 1:01.5 | Global supply chain delays are threatening to disrupt shipments and retail experts on network TV are already saying stuff like this about the holiday shopping season. |
| 1:11.5 | There isn't a lot of inventory. |
| 1:14.0 | So if you, the longer you wait, the more of a premium you're going to pay on not just shipping, but also the price of those items. |
| 1:22.0 | Wait, what? Consider this. The global supply chain has been a mess for nearly a year and a half. |
| 1:29.0 | And things are not getting better anytime soon. |
| 1:32.0 | From NPR, I'm Elsa Chang. It's Tuesday, September 28. |
| 1:38.0 | Support for NPR and the following message come from First Republic Bank. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from NPR, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of NPR and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.

