Restructuring Global Supply Chains: Navigating Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Yimeng Niu (), Niklas Werle (), Morris Cohen (), Shiliang Cui (), Vinayak Deshpande (), Ricardo Ernst (), Arnd Huchzermeier (), Andy A. Tsay () and Jing Wu ()
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Yimeng Niu: Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, Netherlands
Niklas Werle: WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, 56179 Vallendar, Germany
Morris Cohen: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Shiliang Cui: McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
Vinayak Deshpande: Kenan-Flagler School of Business, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
Ricardo Ernst: McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
Arnd Huchzermeier: WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, 56179 Vallendar, Germany
Andy A. Tsay: Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California 95053
Jing Wu: Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School, Shatin, Hong Kong

Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 2025, vol. 27, issue 4, 1025-1036

Abstract: Problem definition : The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented stresses on global supply chains (GSCs), compelling companies to reassess their supply chain structures and strategies. This crisis has also heightened awareness among businesses, consumers, and policymakers about the critical importance and far-reaching implications of GSC design and management. This unique moment presents a generational opportunity for Operations Management (OM) researchers to document and understand the ongoing restructuring of GSCs. Methodology/results : By analyzing microlevel data on U.S. customs import shipments (2019–2021), we uncover shifts in GSC strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Firms diversified suppliers within existing sourcing locations and reallocated volumes among them. Whereas dependence on China decreased, imports from other Asian nations like India and Vietnam, as well as North American countries like Canada and Mexico, increased. Industry-specific differences were pronounced, and a notable shift toward lower-frequency, higher-quantity shipments was also observed. Managerial implications : Beyond the challenges of COVID-19, recent years have witnessed other major supply chain disruptions, due to causes such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and port worker strikes. We offer actionable insights for executives designing supply chain strategies to prepare for similar disruptions as they increase in frequency and severity. We identify future research avenues aimed at enhancing the resilience and adaptability of GSCs in a continuously evolving environment.

Keywords: global supply chain restructuring; COVID-19 pandemic; disruption risks; resilience strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ormsom:v:27:y:2025:i:4:p:1025-1036

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