AFTER FOUR YEARS OF WILD SWINGS FROM SHORTAGES TO GLUT, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS ARE NOW IN THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

Rhea-AI Summary

Global supply chains are currently operating near full capacity, indicating a positive outlook for the manufacturing sector. The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index rose in April, showing increased demand and activity in the Asian market, tightening capacity in North America, and improved conditions in Europe. Global transportation costs have risen slightly, following an increase in oil prices.

Positive

• Global supply chains are operating near maximum capacity, signaling a steady outlook for the manufacturing sector.
• Asian factories are experiencing strong demand, leading to increased purchasing activity.
• North American manufacturers are facing tightening capacity, with backlogged work reported, and improved demand for raw materials.
• Improving activity across global supply chains is a result of healthier demand, especially in Asia.
• Transportation costs have risen slightly due to an increase in oil prices.

Negative

• European manufacturing sector continues to underperform compared to other regions.
• Global transportation costs have risen slightly, which could impact overall supply chain costs.

Insights

Supply Chain Analyst

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index presents a nuanced view of the current state of global supply chains, suggesting a phase of stabilization after a tumultuous period. The trend of Asian markets experiencing robust manufacturing activity, particularly in nations such as China, India and South Korea, could indicate strengthening competitiveness and reliability among suppliers in this region. The reported increase in input demand reflects positively on the potential for economic growth and could lead to increased investor confidence in companies with significant manufacturing operations in Asia. While North America demonstrates some capacity constraints due to labor and material shortages, the alignment of global labor shortages with historical averages suggests a normalization that may reduce the risk of future supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the slight uptick in transportation costs due to rising oil prices is a factor that warrants monitoring, as it could squeeze profit margins or lead to higher consumer prices if sustained. Investors should be aware that companies with lean inventory management and strategic sourcing may fare better under these conditions. Companies heavily dependent on transportation could face challenges, potentially affecting their stock performance.

Financial Analyst

The shift to a 'Goldilocks zone' in global supply chains represents an equilibrium that could be advantageous for businesses across various sectors. From a financial perspective, this stability may translate into more predictable costs, inventory levels and order fulfillment timelines, which are important for corporate financial planning and earnings consistency. The presence of strong demand in Asia juxtaposed with Europe's continued underperformance may lead investors to reevaluate geographical diversification strategies in their portfolios, favoring companies with a stronger presence in more dynamic markets. The index changes offer forward-looking insights that could be indicative of sectoral performance. For example, sectors reliant on semiconductors might see easing pressures that could improve production rates and revenue potential. On the other hand, the U.K.'s sharp destocking could signal a cautious approach by manufacturers, potentially precluding a robust rebound in the near term. Investors should consider the implications of these regional variances on multinational companies and assess how well-positioned firms are to navigate the current supply chain environment.

• Global supply chains are operating near maximum capacity, signaling steady outlook for the manufacturing sector
• Asian factories purchase more inputs to meet growing orders, increasing pressure on the region's suppliers
• North American manufacturers report some difficulties meeting orders due to shortages of staff and critical materials
• Global transportation costs rise slightly, following a recent increase in oil prices

CLARK, N.J., May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — rose in April to -0.18, from -0.32 in March, which signals that global supply chains are operating at close to full capacity.

Improving activity across global supply chains are a direct result of healthier demand, which has picked up consistently in the year-to-date after considerable weakness in 2023. The Asian market is at the forefront of this trend, with input demand at the region's factories remaining strong. Procurement managers in South Korea, Vietnam, India and China reported greater purchasing activity during April.

The North American market is showing more evidence of tightening capacity, with backlogged work reported by manufacturers, particularly in Mexico. Demand for raw materials, commodities and components, while still subdued, also improved slightly.

Demand conditions were less robust in Europe, with the region's manufacturing sector continuing to underperform and lag other parts of the globe. Positively, however, the industrial recession across the continent has eased considerably since late last year.

"After four years of supply shocks, inflation, stockpiling, and uncertainty, global supply chains are now operating in a Goldilocks zone, a steady state of full capacity, not expanding or contracting too quickly, which is excellent news for global suppliers and business," explained Mike Seitz, vice president, GEP Consulting. "In China, we're seeing a steady pick-up in manufacturing activity, which will encourage Chinese Premier Li Qiang to accelerate efforts to remove barriers imposed by European markets and foster more FDI, especially as the potential for tougher U.S. tariffs and trade policies loom."  

Interpreting the data:

• Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.
• Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

APRIL 2024 KEY FINDINGS

• DEMAND: Global demand for raw materials, commodities and components remained close to its long-term average in April, highlighting vastly improved conditions in the worldwide manufacturing sector compared with late last year. As was also the case in March, Asia was the main positive force, with major goods-producing nations such as China, India and South Korea recording growth.
   
• INVENTORIES: Inventory drawdowns persisted into April, albeit cooling in strength compared to March. Reports from global businesses of stockpiles rising because of price or supply concerns were among the lowest seen in over four years.
   
• MATERIAL SHORTAGES: Reports of short supply for items, including semiconductors, foodstuff, chemicals, and metals, remain historically low.
   
• LABOR SHORTAGES: After rising for the past three months, global reports of backlogged orders rising because of staff shortages fell in April and were broadly aligned with historically typical levels. Regional differences persisted, however, with North America seeing greater labor shortages than elsewhere.
   
• TRANSPORTATION: Following recent increases in oil prices, global transportation costs rose for the first time this year in April.

REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY 

• NORTH AMERICA: Index broadly unchanged at -0.30, versus -0.31 previously. Although indicative of spare capacity, the input demand trend ticked higher in April, while increased backlogs of work were also reported.
• EUROPE: Index fell to -0.55, from -0.62. April's increase suggests the continent's industrial downturn continued to ease.
• U.K.: Index decreased to -0.47, from -0.17 as U.K. manufacturers destock sharply instead of ordering from suppliers.
• ASIA: Index rose to 0.07, from -0.07, signaling the first month of stretched supplier capacity since January.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility.

Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact economics@spglobal.com.

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, June 13, 2024.

About the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index 
The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global's PMI^® surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

• A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.
• A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP 
GEP^® delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value. Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people — this is how GEP SOFTWARE™, GEP STRATEGY™ and GEP MANAGED SERVICES™ together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world's best companies, including more than 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals. A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP's cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters. GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

About S&P Global 
S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) S&P Global provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world's leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world's leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.

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Media Contacts
Derek Creevey	Joe Hayes
Director, Public Relations	Principal Economist
GEP	S&P Global Market Intelligence
Phone: +1 732-382-6565	Phone: +44-1344-328-099
Email: derek.creevey@gep.com	Email: joe.hayes@spglobal.com

 

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SOURCE GEP

FAQ

What is the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index?

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index tracks demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories, and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses.

What does a negative Index value indicate?

A negative Index value indicates underutilized supply chain capacity, with lower values signifying more underutilization.

What regions are experiencing tightening capacity according to the press release?

North America is experiencing tightening capacity, with backlogged work reported by manufacturers, particularly in Mexico.

When will the next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index be?

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be at 8 a.m. ET on June 13, 2024.