The SupplyChainBrain Podcast How to Participate in a New Survey on Defense Supply Chains
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Oct 14, 2025 Jim de Vries, founder of Enhance International Group and project manager for the MXD Trustworthy Supply Chain Transparency Survey, discusses the critical need for transparency in defense supply chains. He highlights how the origins of raw materials and reliance on foreign suppliers, especially from China, compromise trust. The conversation delves into the hidden complexities of tier-two suppliers and the challenges posed by the lack of electronic records. Jim invites manufacturers to participate in the survey, emphasizing its benefits and the importance of maintaining an ongoing trust acceleration index.
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Defense Supply Chains Lack Origin Visibility
- The defense supply chain lacks visibility into origins of raw materials and components, creating strategic risk.
- Jim de Vries explains much of this material and processing is controlled by China, reducing U.S. supply certainty.
Rare Earths And Magnet Shortages
- DeVries describes rare earths and magnets as concrete examples where processing concentrates in China.
- He recounts inability to source critical magnets domestically, underscoring real supply constraints.
Trust Depends On Deep-Tier Transparency
- Trust in a supply chain depends on transparency deeper than tier one; tier two and below are often unknown.
- DeVries highlights military suppliers often operate as small specialty shops with poor electronic records, worsening visibility.