Blog

Supply chains are evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in technology, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and changing customer expectations. As we move further into 2025, here are five key trends that supply chain professionals and leaders should have on their radar.

The announcement of new US tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China has sent ripples through the supply chain world, leaving many leaders scrambling to assess their exposure and develop response strategies. For supply chain leaders, the Trump tariffs are not just policy updates—they represent potential disruptions that can impact costs, shift demand, disrupt supplier networks, and alter production timelines.

Global trade is undergoing a rapid evolution, influenced by a multitude of factors such as climate change, geopolitical events, conflict zones, wars, and more. Countries increasingly make trade decisions based on global politics rather than just economic benefits. Monitoring the effects of these events on international shipments can be exceedingly challenging for businesses. E2open Global Knowledge® is continually expanding and promptly adjusting to the significant rise in regulatory changes caused by such factors.

The growing threat of new tariffs, increased tariffs, and other trade barriers makes it more important than ever for supply chain leaders to stay abreast of changing trade regulations. While no one can predict the precise contour of the trade environment in the future, there are things leaders can do today to minimize their trade compliance risks, keep the movement of goods flowing, and contain costs in this new business landscape.

In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, viral products are an exciting phenomenon. A product can go from obscurity to global sensation in the blink of an eye, thanks to the power of influencers and online platforms. While it may at first seem like a dream come true for brand owners, viral successes bring a unique set of challenges for the supply chain. What begins as a “good problem” can quickly spiral into a crisis if companies aren’t prepared to deal with the sudden demand surges.

In today’s volatile global supply chain environment, disruptions are not only possible—they’re inevitable. From global pandemics and natural disasters to sudden demand fluctuations and supplier issues, brand owners face constant challenges that threaten production continuity, customer satisfaction, and profitability. To combat this uncertainty, more companies are turning to shadow planning—a proactive approach to supply chain management that enables brand owners to prepare for the unexpected and maintain business continuity under various scenarios. 

At some point, you’ve likely heard the adage, “Go where your customers are.” Nowhere could this be truer than in channel management, where optimizing market coverage is a major priority and a driver of growth. However, the recent evolution of the channel landscape has added more complexity to the process. In just two decades, the number of channels available to both B2B and B2C consumers has expanded, creating a “good problem” for companies seeking to increase channel sales.

E2open is powered by a strong global network of problem solvers and innovators driven by strong values and our company culture. Together, we are focused on doing what’s right in business and in our communities. Every month, we will shine a spotlight on an exceptional team member who is helping us transform the supply chain industry. This month, we held a Q&A with Diana Olivera, Solution Architect at e2open.

Close your eyes and think about all the places you can now purchase products. There are traditional brick-and-mortar retail outlets like GAP or Dick’s Sporting Goods, or online e-commerce sites like Amazon or Newegg. You can click an ad you see on Instagram or Facebook, or maybe your favorite YouTuber shared a new product. It's never been easier for companies to reach customers. However, this proliferation of channels presents brands with a plate of jumbled spaghetti noodles – disparate partners and mounds of unorganized data – and they are left to try and sort out one strand of pasta from the next. Such complexity demands a more sophisticated, organized approach to channel management.