Supply Chain Resources

Surging demand, supply chain disruptions and sharply rising costs have significantly altered the economics of our industry. PRINTING United Alliance is continuously monitoring the supply chain situation and we are working on your behalf to minimize the impact of these issues. The Supply Chain Resource Channel has up-to-date information regarding our supply chain and recommended articles to help you remain resilient in a disrupted market.

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Analysis

PRINTING United Alliance is committed to providing its members with timely, accurate analysis of paper related supply chain disruptions.

Congress Aims to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chain and Crack Down on China’s Maritime Influence

U.S. and China relations have grown increasingly tense over various issues, including maritime shipping. In an effort to curtail China’s growing maritime influence, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act of 2023 …

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Trends to Watch That Can Help Printers Navigate the Supply Chain

Between raw material and paper shortages, transportation issues, labor challenges, global geopolitical pressures, and more, the supply chain has seen unprecedented disruption in recent years, and it doesn’t show any sign of letting up any time soon. Here’s a closer look at the supply chain challenges commercial printers are facing right now, as well as strategies on how to help manage them for continued business success. Credit: Getty Images

Paper Excellence to Indefinitely Close Its Catalyst Crofton Paper Mill

The equilibrium between paper demand and supply within the printing industry continues to remain out of balance in North America, with no end in sight. Much of that has been driven by outright mill closures, numerous paper machine shutdowns, and the repurposing of existing mills to produce packaging, board stocks, and other high-value products instead of lower-margin printing grades. 

Are You Using Alternate Paper Due to the Supply Chain Shortages? Watch Out!

Unfortunately, we live in a time where supply chain issues are causing painful disruptions for the printing industry. Probably at the top of the list of raw materials affected by this is paper. Lead times continue to be inordinately long, and printers and their customers are often forced to use an alternate …

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CHIPS and Science Act Signed Into Law; President Touts American Competitiveness

On August 9, President Biden held a signing ceremony to put his stamp of approval on the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 thereby enacting the legislation into law. Biden hailed the bill, which in its final form provides $52.7 billion in subsidies for US semiconductor production, R&D, and advancements …

Painful Paper Cuts Continue as Supply-Chain Shortages Persist

It’s become the single most common topic for every printer in the country — paper supply. It doesn’t matter if you are a direct mail printer, a packaging printer, or a general commercial printer, paper is the No.1 challenge across the board.

Research

PRINTING United Alliance conducts research to help you gain perspectives on mitigating supply chain disruptions and offsetting risks. 

Latest Survey Sheds Light on Supply Chain Crisis for Substrates, Consumables

To get the facts on the supply chain crisis, PRINTING United Alliance recently launched the Printing Industry Supply Chain Conditions Survey. Nearly 200 companies, including commercial printers, graphic and sign producers, apparel decorators, functional printers, and package printers/converters, have …

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Market Share Being Redistributed as Supply Chain Conditions Continue to Deteriorate

Results of the Printing Industry Supply Chain Conditions Survey, conducted by PRINTING United Alliance and NAPCO Research, support three conclusions.

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News

Stay informed with the latest news concerning supply chain developments impacting our industry.

AF&PA Releases October 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 6% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to September 2022.

House votes to avert rail strike, provide workers paid sick leave

The House passed a bill on Wednesday to avert a railway strike, taking the first major step in avoiding a walkout of workers that would have drastic effects on the U.S. economy as it heads into the holiday season.

House passes rail contract as freight shutdown looms

The action, which still needs a vote in the Senate, is meant to prevent a freight shutdown that would cost the U.S. an estimated $2 billion per day.

Threat of rail strike eases, for now, as key union BMWED extends deal deadline

BMWED moved the end of its cooling-off period that includes talks with freight rail management from November 20 to December 4 in a move that allows the unions to ultimately align their strategy ahead of a potential strike.

Research: Why It's So Hard to Map Global Supply Chains

Supply chain disruptions in the last decade have generated lots of recommendations for companies to map their supply chains, identify sources of the most costly risks, and then take steps to mitigate them. But a study of industries’ supply chains for semiconductors reveals that doing so is enormously challenging. The study found that these networks are vast, dense, and dynamic. 

Are US Supply Chain Problems Over?

Snarled supply chains that helped fuel red-hot inflation are slowly disentangling, offering hope for relief for cash-strapped consumers. 

What's the Deal with Envelopes?

Industry insiders share tips to help work around the envelope shortage.

Halt in Russian Exports, Reduced Demand in China Contributed to a 20% Decline in Global Softwood Log Trade

Global trade of softwood logs plunged by 20% during the first half of 2022 year-over-year (YoY). Much of the decline was because of the Russian log export ban that came into effect on January 1, 2022. 

10 Interesting Facts About the Current State of the Pulp and Paper Industry

A heightened sense of uncertainty continues to plague various aspects of our lives as global geopolitical trade flows and economic structures remain stressed. 

Tight Wood Fiber Supply Has Pushed Global Costs for Pulplogs and Wood Chips Up 10%

Wood fiber prices continued their two-year upward trend in 2Q22, with hardwood increasing faster than softwood. 

Threat of rail strike has supply chain managers ramping up contingency plans

Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED), the third-largest rail union, rejected a labor deal with railroads that the Biden Administration had helped to negotiate. 

Railroads reject union's sick leave demands, fueling strike concerns

Freight railroads indicated they would not provide additional concessions to a major labor union that rejected their contract agreement earlier this month, further raising the prospect of a strike. 

US airports need subsidies for cargo modernization, groups say

Decades-old freight infrastructure not equipped to handle larger aircraft, trade growth. 

Did US slash imports too much, setting stage for shipping rebound?

Ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd CEO: ‘I’m pretty sure what we’re seeing is an overreaction — again’ 

Climate Regulations Are About to Disrupt Global Shipping

Rules from the International Maritime Organization and the European Union aimed at curbing ships’ greenhouse gas emissions promise to make transoceanic and regional shipping more expensive and reduce service, which will have a significant impact on global supply chains. 

Tell Us About Your Experience

PRINTING United Alliance is interested in learning how supply chain disruptions are impacting your business. Our Government Affairs team will use these stories on Capitol Hill to highlight the problem and real-life impact. Your personal story can be the most powerfully persuasive narrative for lawmakers.
Share your supply chain story