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The Freight Debate

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The Freight Debate is where industry disruptors and innovators collide.

Each episode, we challenge the status quo, explore bold ideas, and break down the biggest shifts shaping ocean and air logistics. From tackling market volatility and pricing transparency to uncovering the tech and trends redefining global trade, we bring real talk, real insights, and real solutions. With expert insights and fresh perspectives, this is the podcast for those who don’t just navigate change—they drive it.
30 Episodes
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What’s really happening in the Red Sea, and how should shippers plan for what comes next?In this episode of The Freight Debate, Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll unpack the growing gap between carrier messaging and market reality when it comes to a potential return to the Suez Canal. While headlines hint at progress, the data tells a more cautious story, with container ship transits still trending down and no fixed timelines in place.They break down how carriers are quietly testing routes, what a gradual return through Suez actually means for capacity, and why unlocking supply is far slower than many expect. The discussion also dives into carrier tactics as demand weakens, capacity keeps rising, and market share increasingly takes priority over rate discipline.Looking ahead to 2026, Phil and Emily explore what this means for tender strategies, Red Sea surcharges, and contract flexibility, plus a seasonal case study on Christmas lights that reveals how tariffs can rapidly reshape global trade flows.Whether you are navigating tender season, tracking carrier behavior, or planning for shifting trade patterns next year, this episode provides clear, data-backed insight into the forces shaping container shipping right now.Subscribe for new episodes covering the latest freight trends, market updates, and insider insights.
In this episode of The Freight Debate, Rajesh Bhol, Principal Product Manager - Indexing at Xeneta, sits down with Mads Drejer, Global COO & CCO at Scan Global Logistics, to unpack one of the biggest shifts reshaping forwarding today: the rise of index-linked contracts. As post-COVID volatility shattered the reliability of traditional 12-month RFQs, forwarders now find themselves caught between shippers demanding transparency and carriers pushing for predictability — with both sides expecting more than ever.Mads takes us inside this commercial squeeze and explains why indexing has surfaced as one of the few credible ways to restore stability. He contrasts the pressures on the buying and selling sides, revealing how indexing reduces rate firefighting, builds trust, and pushes forwarders to prove value through service rather than arbitrage.Throughout the conversation, Mads breaks down what makes an index truly usable: representative long-term data, sensible floors and ceilings, system compatibility, and rules simple enough that both shipper and carrier can “believe the math.” He also outlines a clear definition of success — longer, calmer contracts with no mid-term renegotiations — and shares a pragmatic vision of how indexing will evolve alongside RFQs rather than replace them.A sharp, timely episode for any forwarder, shipper, or procurement leader rethinking freight contracting in 2026 and beyond.
Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll take a close look at the latest developments affecting global shipping routes and what they could mean for carriers planning for 2026.With new signals emerging around route stability, they explore how carriers and insurers evaluate operational confidence and what a large-scale return to shorter transit paths could mean for vessel scheduling and port flow.They break down how a sudden shift in routing could create short-term congestion, how service patterns may need to adjust, and why carriers are cautious about making major changes without long-term clarity.They also examine the financial backdrop, including recent carrier results, ongoing overcapacity, and the growing pressure created by weaker backhaul rates and widening trade imbalances.Whether you are watching tender season unfold, tracking schedule-reliability strategies, or evaluating cost pressures for the year ahead, this episode offers a clear view of the factors shaping the container market right now.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
When Plan A fails, what separates reactive companies from resilient ones?In this episode of The Freight Debate, host Phil Hennessy talks with Martha Christina, procurement leader at Linde, about how procurement teams keep global supply chains moving through volatility, regulation shifts, and rising freight costs.Martha shares how her team balances speed, safety, and spend in high-stakes gas supply chains from localizing suppliers and cutting carbon impact to finding the right “Plan D” when every other option collapses. It’s a rare look inside the mindset of procurement under pressure and the discipline it takes to stay calm when the world turns chaotic. 🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Shippers and forwarders are demanding more than price, they want proof of performance.Fabio Brocca sits down with Simon Sundboell to unpack Xeneta’s acquisition of eeSea and what it means for how the industry measures reliability. They trace eeSea’s origins as the “Google Maps of container shipping,” explore how schedule data and freight rates now work together inside Xeneta’s platform, and reveal why true transparency could finally change the way shippers buy and sell freight.From forecasting accuracy and blank sailings to the rise of index-linked contracts, they outline how cost, performance, and service quality are converging into one decision framework. Whether you’re evaluating carriers, managing tenders, or building your 2026 strategy, this conversation shows where the next wave of freight intelligence is headed.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📰 Respond effectively to market volatility: https://www.xeneta.com/blog/beyond-freight-rate-benchmarking-building-resilient-supply-chains-with-xeneta 🚢 Learn more about what eeSea can do → https://app.eesea.com/ 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Rates from the Far East to the U.S. and Europe are up, some lanes by more than 70% since October. In this episode of The Freight Debate, hosts Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll break down what’s really driving the latest rate surge and whether it’s part of a familiar year-end pattern.They unpack why rates are rising even as demand stays soft, what shippers should expect from upcoming tender negotiations, and how carrier capacity decisions shape short-term market behavior.Plus, the pair look ahead to 2026 with insights from Xeneta’s latest outlook, including how long-term rates, tender strategies, and global trade shifts could influence the next 12 months.Whether you’re negotiating contracts or tracking trends, this conversation gives you the context you need to plan smarter.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📰 Check out this blog for deeper dives and data on everything we cover: https://www.xeneta.com/blog/october-spot-rate-spike-2026-ocean-freight-tenders 🚢 Dive into the 2026 Ocean Freight Outlook here: https://www.xeneta.com/outlook/2026-ocean-freight-outlook 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Go inside Xeneta Summit 2025, a dynamic gathering of shippers, freight forwarders, and carriers redefining how the industry connects, strategizes, and builds resilience.In this special episode, Patrik Berglund and Fabio Brocca take you behind the scenes of Barcelona’s biggest freight event. From record-breaking attendance to the debut of Xeneta’s newest product innovations, they share the moments that energized the community and the conversations that are shaping what comes next for ocean and air freight.Hear how leaders are sharpening strategy, navigating volatility, and collaborating to create a stronger, smarter supply chain.Whether you’re managing procurement, forecasting capacity, or exploring new digital tools, this episode delivers an inside look at the insights, innovations, and industry connections driving the next era of freight.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!🎥 Register for our upcoming webinar on November 6 to see all the latest Xeneta innovations → https://www.xeneta.com/events/webinar/whats-new-from-xeneta 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
What happens when global markets shift faster than carriers can adapt?Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll explore how changing policies, new cost pressures, and shifting demand patterns are creating ripple effects across international shipping. They break down the real-world impact on carriers, from unexpected port expenses to early peak-season swings, and what it signals for supply chains heading into next year.Whether you manage logistics, analyze market trends, or plan capacity, this episode offers clear insight into the forces shaping global freight right now.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!🎥 Register for our upcoming webinar on November 6 to see all the latest Xeneta innovations → https://www.xeneta.com/events/webinar/whats-new-from-xeneta 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Freight contracts keep breaking because they weren’t built for volatility.Eloisa Tovee sits down with Matthew Gore, Partner at HFW, to unpack why so many agreements fail under pressure and what it really takes to make them hold.From “gentlemen’s agreements” and glorified rate sheets to the rise of index-linked deals, they trace how contracting has evolved and where it still breaks. They discuss the legal gray zones that leave shippers exposed, the surge in hidden surcharges, and why both sides are chasing certainty in a market that refuses to stay still.Whether you’re entering tender season or rethinking your risk strategy for 2026, this episode gives you the playbook to build contracts that survive volatility instead of snapping under it.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com 
What will shape ocean freight in 2026?Hosts, Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll, share key findings from Xeneta’s Ocean Freight Outlook 2026, explaining how trade patterns, shipping capacity, and global demand are evolving.They discuss the recent 11% decline in China–U.S. exports alongside a 5.8% increase in overall global exports, plus what the delivery of 10 million TEU in new capacity could mean for supply and pricing.Whether you’re planning 2026 budgets, reviewing contract strategies, or keeping pace with market data, this episode gives you the insights to make informed decisions in a changing freight environment.🎙️ This episode was recorded pre-Summit. Want the latest 2026 Ocean Outlook insights? Join the upcoming webinar and get the report before everyone else: xeneta.com/events/webinar/2026-ocean-outlook 🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Shippers who wait until tender season are leaving money on the table.Phil Hennessy sat down with Peter Sundara Swamickannu to examine why procurement can’t be a once-a-year exercise. They break down how real-time data gives shippers credibility in negotiations, why budgets built on last year’s averages are doomed to fail, and how smart teams capture savings by acting outside the traditional tender window.They also explore the hidden risks of chasing the cheapest rates, the importance of factoring in transit reliability, and how scenario planning around tariffs and disruptions can create a lasting competitive edge. For procurement leaders navigating volatile markets, this episode makes the case for year-round strategy as the only way to stay ahead.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Why did freight rates suddenly spike in September?Hosts, Phil Hennessey and Emily Stausbøll, break down the surprising surge on the Transpacific trade and why it caught so many shippers off guard. They unpack what fueled the unexpected jump and what it tells us about the fragile balance between global trade lanes.From the “dance” between Transpacific and Far East–North Europe rates to the way carriers use short-term spikes in tender negotiations, this episode gives shippers the tools to separate noise from signal. Whether you’re budgeting for 2026 contracts or just trying to understand the latest market whiplash, you’ll walk away with the context and data you need to make smarter calls in an unpredictable freight environment.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📰 Check out this blog for deeper dives and data on everything we cover: https://www.xeneta.com/blog/ocean-container-shipping-rates-can-spike-unexpectedly-use-data-and-intelligence-to-understand-why-and-take-action 📅This week in freight article:https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-importers-and-exporters-fret-over-port-fees-on-chinese-ships-da9f6f53 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Phil Hennessy and Peter Sand break down the complex world of freight surcharges and why they remain one of the most frustrating parts of global shipping. From surcharges that don’t always match trade routes, to peak season fees that appear even when it isn’t peak season, they explore how carriers create, label, and defend these extra costs. The discussion highlights real examples of shippers paying vastly different amounts for the same surcharge, how “all in rates” can look very different depending on the mix of base rates and add-ons, and why optionality in contracts is critical for maintaining leverage. Whether you are negotiating your next tender or simply trying to understand what you should and should not be paying, this episode of The Freight Debate gives you the insight needed to navigate the surcharge game with more confidence.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📰 Check out this blog for deeper dives and data on everything we cover:https://www.xeneta.com/blog/confused-about-ocean-container-shipping-surcharges-youre-not-alone?hs_preview=EYBhzwSm-195195475992 📅This week in freight article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ocean-shipping-rates-sink-as-importers-balk-at-trade-upheaval-4dc3d1e6📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
Are shippers finally gaining the upper hand in negotiations?Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll analyze the widening spread between spot and long-term rates, the lessons learned from pandemic volatility, and the trade-offs that define today’s contracts. From record-low backhaul rates to index-linked agreements designed to prevent rolled cargo, they examine how risk and reliability are reshaping procurement strategies.They unpack why volatility has become the industry’s new normal, how carriers and shippers are adapting across different trades, and what it all means for 2026 budgets. Whether you’re planning tenders, managing supply chain risk, or preparing for Q4 talks, this conversation delivers the insight needed to navigate an uncertain market.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📰 Check out this blog for deeper dives and data on everything we cover:https://www.xeneta.com/blog/tendering-in-times-of-volatility-how-can-ocean-container-shippers-achieve-financial-savings-and-supply-chain-resilience 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
In this episode of The Freight Debate, host Tom Moffett, Principal Product Manager at Xeneta, sits down with Wenwen Zhang, Xeneta’s Air Freight Development and Analysis Lead, to decode the complex landscape of modern air freight. If you’re navigating the air freight market in 2025, air freight pricing and air freight volatility are two critical forces you can’t afford to ignore.Air freight pricing and air freight volatility have surged as global tensions, pandemic aftershocks, and rising e-commerce reshape the rules. Wenwen brings her deep expertise to explain what’s really moving the market—from post-COVID supply constraints to the explosion of cross-border e-commerce driven by players like Temu and Shein. Together, Tom and Wenwen explore how these trends affect both shippers and carriers—and why the market is more data-driven (and unpredictable) than ever before.Key insights you’ll learn:How COVID turned air freight into a supply-driven rollercoasterWhy passenger belly capacity plays a bigger role than most realizeHow U.S.–China tariffs and the de minimis rule are reshaping global flowsThe ripple effect of ocean freight disruptions on air freight strategyWhy real-time data is now essential for procurement decisionsWenwen unpacks how the 2025 tariff resets and the removal of de minimis exemptions have caused dramatic shifts in shipping volumes and rate spikes across critical trade lanes. With nearly half of certain routes driven by e-commerce, minor policy changes have had outsized impacts on air freight capacity, load factor, and ultimately pricing.You’ll also learn how forwarders and shippers are reacting—with many changing strategies overnight. Wenwen and Tom analyze dynamic load factor and procurement trends using Xeneta’s unique combination of shipper, forwarder, and airline rate data. The conversation brings clarity to what’s happening beneath the surface and how to read the signals in near-real time.The episode also tackles the blurred line between ocean and air freight markets. With Red Sea disruptions and unpredictable lead times, shippers are switching modes faster than ever—creating new opportunities (and challenges) for those who are agile.If you're in procurement, logistics, or supply chain management, this episode gives you a 360° view of how to read the market, time your contracts, and leverage data for better margin control.Discover how to think ahead in a market where everything changes overnight.
Will freight rates drop to pre–Red Sea crisis levels?Phil Hennessy and Emily Stausbøll break down the numbers, capacity trends, and market forces shaping the answer. From the $8,000 post-crisis peak to today’s $200-above-baseline reality, they explore how carrier decisions, shifting demand, and geopolitical factors are pushing rates toward 2019 territory.They unpack why rates climbed in the first place, how overcapacity is driving the current slide, and what shippers should watch for in the months ahead. Whether you’re tracking spot rates, negotiating long-term contracts, or just trying to predict the next big move in global shipping, this conversation gives you the context you need to make informed calls.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📰 Check out this blog for deeper dives and data on everything we cover: https://www.xeneta.com/blog/will-plummeting-ocean-container-freight-rates-drop-to-pre-red-sea-crisis-levels 📧 Want to work with us? Learn more at xeneta.com
In this essential episode of The Freight Debate, host Rajesh Bhol sits down with two industry powerhouses: Christian Pederson, Global Head of Ocean Contract Products at A.P. Moller-Maersk, and Patrik Olstad Berglund, Co-founder and CEO of Xeneta, to unpack the freight industry's evolving relationship with indexing, contract standardization, and market volatility. If you've been following recent supply chain developments, you'll know that freight indexing and contract volatility are two of the most talked-about issues in 2025.Freight indexing and contract volatility aren't just buzzwords anymore—they're key levers in navigating today's unpredictable global supply chain. In this episode, we explore how unprecedented disruptions over the past five years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability, have exposed deep flaws in fixed-rate ocean contracts. Christian and Patrik share candid insights about the cyclical nature of the shipping industry and how trust and transparency can be re-established through innovative, data-driven contract mechanisms.Key topics include:The case for index-linked contracts and how they help manage extreme market volatilityWhy traditional RFQs (Requests for Quotations) are increasingly seen as outdatedHow shippers and carriers alike are pushing for flexible, enforceable agreementsThe role of financial risk hedging through futures and swapsTransparency as a catalyst for efficiency and long-term partnershipsChristian, representing a legacy carrier's perspective, explains why Maersk has leaned into indexing as a scalable solution. Meanwhile, Patrik brings the lens of data analytics and technology to the table, arguing for standardization across the industry. Both leaders converge on the point that the current system—plagued by contractual non-adherence and massive rate fluctuations—is unsustainable.You'll learn why there's growing consensus that decoupling physical delivery from financial risk mechanisms is a best practice adopted from commodity markets like oil and electricity. The discussion also explores how service predictability for shippers must align with revenue predictability for carriers—a mutual goal that can only be achieved through transparent, index-based agreements.Additionally, the episode explores:How NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers) are innovating with daily indexesPractical challenges in implementing index-linked contractsThe human factor: changing mindsets within traditional procurement processesWith both guests advocating for a standardized, transparent, and data-centric future, this episode serves as a roadmap for supply chain professionals looking to future-proof their freight strategies.Whether you're a logistics leader, supply chain analyst, or procurement specialist, this episode delivers high-impact insights that are as actionable as they are visionary.Listen to learn how your organization can stay resilient in a world where volatility is the only constant.Timestamp Topics[00:00 - 02:00] What is a perfect freight index?[02:00 - 06:00] Why market volatility broke old shipping contracts[06:00 - 10:00] Why trust is collapsing between shippers and carriers[10:00 - 14:00] Budget predictability vs. real flexibility[14:00 - 18:00] Why one contract can't do two jobs[18:00 - 22:00] What COVID taught the industry about pricing behavior[22:00 - 27:00] What makes a good freight index (and what doesn’t)[27:00 - 32:00] Why transparency doesn’t kill differentiation[32:00 - 38:00] Simple steps to implement index-based deals[38:00 - 46:00] Will volatility stay or go? Here's what's coming next
Tariffs and backhaul rates dominate global shipping news again this week as the ripple effects of the EU-US trade deal and continued uncertainty in US-China negotiations drive new challenges in the container shipping market. Tariffs and backhaul rates may sound like niche topics, but in this episode of The Freight Debate, hosts Phil Hennessey and Emily Stausbøll, Senior Shipping Analyst at Xeneta, reveal why they’re at the center of every serious logistics discussion in 2025.Phil and Emily break down the latest EU-US tariff announcements: a 15% tariff now replacing the 10% under the truce agreement. Emily explains why, even though it’s not the worst-case 30% or 50% floated earlier, this development is far from “good news.” Instead, it's the beginning of a new normal in transatlantic trade where importers must decide how much of the added cost to absorb and how much to pass on to consumers.They also analyze the ongoing US-China negotiations in Stockholm and explore the potential 90-day extension of tariff pauses. Drawing parallels with the 2019 trade war and its impact on bulk commodities like soybeans, Emily reflects on how energy and agricultural trade deals are often used as political tools that have deep implications for both front-haul and backhaul shipping markets.The conversation then turns to backhaul rates—the unsung dynamics of container logistics. Emily shares fresh Xeneta data showing some backhaul trades hitting record low or even negative rate levels when accounting for terminal handling costs. She explains how container repositioning pressures, particularly between China and the US, continue to distort trade balance ratios and drop backhaul profitability for carriers.Listeners will also learn how reefer container dynamics diverge from dry container trends, and why exporters must now re-evaluate their strategies in light of reciprocal tariffs. The team offers tactical advice for shippers on how to leverage backhaul volumes during procurement conversations, especially when negotiating front-haul contracts.Whether you're managing a supply chain or just curious about how tariffs affect your Amazon order, this episode gives you expert insights you won’t get in the headlines. Phil and Emily also plug Xeneta’s freight rate intelligence platform and explain how customers can use real-time visibility across trade lanes to challenge market assumptions and make smarter shipping decisions.Tune in as we tie together tariffs, trade wars, and transatlantic trends in one of the most practical and relevant episodes of The Freight Debate yet.Learn more at: https://www.xeneta.com/
In this episode of The Freight Debate, host Philip Hennessey sits down with Xeneta Senior Analyst Emily Stausbøll to unpack the current state of global shipping and its increasingly unpredictable pricing landscape. With the return of tariff volatility and collapsing freight demand on key routes, tariff volatility and freight demand are two of the most critical issues shippers face in 2025.Tariff volatility and freight demand continue to rattle supply chains across industries. In this episode, Philip and Emily explore what recent policy shifts—particularly the U.S. tariff letters aimed at China, the EU, and Brazil—actually mean for global logistics. They also dig into how shippers are reacting differently compared to earlier shocks like the “Liberation Day” rate surge in April.Key insights from the episode:How newly proposed tariffs (and the fear of enforcement) have impacted demand, even without implementationWhy shippers seem more desensitized to 10–30% duties than ever beforeHow early front-loading has reduced panic responses to new policy threatsThe lag between policy announcements and cost impacts—why it’s hurting even when tariffs are pausedEmily breaks down the shifting dynamics in regional shipping routes. While the Far East to U.S. West Coast lane has seen a steep 57% decline in spot rates since June, North Europe lanes are surging—up 37%—due to congestion, labor disputes, and late vessel arrivals. These contradictory moves reveal just how fragmented global shipping has become, and why understanding demand fundamentals is more important than ever.Also discussed:The recent “calm” in rate activity, and why it might be a deceptive lullMay’s surprising record-high global TEU movement—and why it didn’t sustainWhat port congestion tells us about carrier strategy and capacity imbalanceHow shippers can (and should) prepare for 2026 budgets amid ongoing volatilityPhilip and Emily emphasize the importance of using market data and forward-looking rate indexes to avoid getting blindsided by short-term spikes or dips. They outline how shippers can use Xeneta’s spot and contract rate data to better plan for uncertain quarters ahead—and why relying on index-linked contracts could offer more pricing resilience.If you’re involved in procurement, ocean logistics, or executive supply chain planning, this episode will sharpen your understanding of the forces shaping freight rates globally. From tariffs to trade policy, from congestion to contracts, you’ll walk away with a clearer view of what’s next—and what to do about it.
In this episode of The Freight Debate, hosts Phil and renowned supply chain expert Wolfgang Lehmacher explore how modern businesses are navigating tariffs and digital fragmentation in an increasingly volatile world. Tariffs and fragmentation—two of the most pressing challenges facing global trade—are no longer rare disruptions, but constants that supply chain leaders must actively integrate into their strategic planning. As companies adapt, new strategies and technologies are transforming how decisions are made and how goods move.Wolfgang Lehmacher, with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of people, technology, and logistics, joins to break down these complex dynamics. As a former executive at GeoPost, La Poste, FedEx, and a leader at the World Economic Forum, Wolfgang brings unmatched insight into digital transformation, scenario planning, and how organizations can thrive amid trade policy volatility.The episode kicks off by examining the shift from reacting to tariff fluctuations to proactively building tariff uncertainty into digital decision-making models. Wolfgang shares how businesses, particularly in Asia, are using digital twins and simulation tools to create flexible, responsive operations. These supply chain models allow for real-time visibility, risk mitigation, and smarter sourcing decisions in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.Listeners will also gain insight into the growing reality of internal fragmentation within businesses. Wolfgang underscores the need for cross-functional collaboration—where strategic decisions from the boardroom must be balanced with insights from supply chain planners and procurement experts on the ground. The discussion then moves to "techno-nationalism" and the rise of digital sovereignty. Countries and companies are increasingly wary of dependency on foreign platforms, leading to a splintering of digital ecosystems that can mirror the physical fragmentation of global supply chains.Real-world case studies highlight the episode’s themes. Wolfgang contrasts Apple and Nvidia's diverging strategies in response to U.S.-China tensions—Apple leaning into diversification across Asia, while Nvidia leverages a distributed, innovative model including local manufacturing. These choices not only reflect different business models but forecast future winners in a world where flexibility and innovation are key. The episode also demystifies common misconceptions about diversification. Phil and Wolfgang explore whether these strategies are viable only for global giants or accessible to mid-sized firms too. Spoiler: it’s not always about size—it’s about knowing your options, margins, and capabilities.Finally, the conversation turns to the erosion of trust and the mental shift required to plan for previously unimaginable scenarios. Wolfgang notes that “everything is possible—and its opposite,” a mindset that helps today’s supply chain leaders build resilience, anticipate change, and stay agile. Whether you’re a supply chain strategist, logistics leader, or policy follower, this episode delivers an in-depth look at how businesses can adapt to a future defined by tariffs, digital sovereignty, and global fragmentation. Don't miss Wolfgang Lehmacher's expert take on the tools, thinking, and mindset needed to thrive in today’s trade climate.
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