supply chain

[ suh-plahy cheyn ]

noun

1. the series of growers, manufacturers, distributors, shippers, etc., involved in producing goods of a particular kind and bringing them to market:

   A typical supply chain from fiber to garment has up to seven players spread across the globe—more, if processes like dyeing or printing are subcontracted.

supply chain

noun

1. marketing a channel of distribution beginning with the supplier of materials or components, extending through a manufacturing process to the distributor and retailer, and ultimately to the consumer

Word History and Origins

Origin of supply chain¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

But these changes present a huge challenge in a sugar supply chain spanning more than 100 countries and the millions of people that depend on sugar's income.

From Salon

National policies like sugar taxes are vital, but having international coordination is also important in such a sprawling supply chain.

From Salon

Supply chain problems coming out of the pandemic, coupled with pandemic economic stimulus under both presidents Trump and Biden, have been blamed for contributing to the inflation surge in recent years, though the rate of cost increases has since ebbed to more normal levels.

From Los Angeles Times

A £13m grant fund to help redundant Port Talbot steel workers and their families was announced by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, aimed at supporting people to set up their own businesses and expand and diversify local firms and those in the Tata supply chain.

From BBC

"This policy work shows that we can reach minimal mismanaged plastic waste if we can come together in action. This provides policymakers with a novel tool that isn't prescriptive -- they can combine various policies as they see fit. Going forward, I think a mechanism to gather data on plastic production and trade will be a key factor. We need supply chain transparency here."

From Science Daily