Guest: Zac Rogers of Colorado State University on the uncertain summer for supply chains; The latest on cargo theft; CEOs still think sustainability is good for business

Jul 18, 2025

Zac Rogers, an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University and the lead author of the Logistics Managers' Index report, shares key insights into the challenges facing supply chains today. He discusses the impact of inflation and tariffs on logistics, the rising threat of cargo theft, and the paradox of corporate sustainability efforts amidst political changes. Despite uncertainties, Rogers reveals that a significant majority of companies are still investing in sustainability, highlighting a persistent commitment to ethical business practices.

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INSIGHT

Trade Policy Creates Supply Chain Uncertainty

Supply chains face significant uncertainty due to rapidly changing trade regulations and tariffs across many countries.
This disrupts just-in-time inventory strategies, causing costly front-loading of inventories earlier in the year.

ADVICE

Take Tariffs Seriously

Shippers should take tariff announcements seriously as they affect sourcing and costs.
Companies must plan for potential high tariffs as they may not return to prior lower levels.

INSIGHT

Tariffs Drive Inflation, Inventory Costs

Rising tariffs and excess inventory increase both product prices and inventory holding costs.
Warehouse space is shrinking while inventory costs surge, adding inflationary pressure.

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Our guest on this week's episode is Zac Rogers, associate professor of Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University and the lead author of the monthly Logistics Managers' Index report. This past week a number of economic numbers came out. On Tuesday, The Consumer Price Index showed some rise in inflation, a few major banks also reported solid earnings, and we saw some evidence of strong consumer spending during Prime Days. Yet all of these reports came in the midst of the ongoing tariff and trade uncertainty. Where are supply chains at and where are they going as we begin the second half of 2025? Our guest offers some expert insights.

One topic we've heard a lot about lately is cargo theft. So it’s not surprise that this trend is continuing, but a report that came out this week shared some new details on exactly what thieves are stealing and how they’re doing it.

A new study shows that companies are still focused on sustainability despite a scaling back of ESG oversight since the change of administration in Washington this year. This is a survey from sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis. The key takeaway is that 87% of companies surveyed say they have maintained or increased their investment in business sustainability efforts this year, with many saying they are doing so “behind the scenes” amid growing regulatory debate and uncertainty over the role of those corporate ESG-related programs.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

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