Sourcing supply chain risks of 2026 and how Frank can help navigate them
Current affairs have a panicked urgency to them these days – and rightly so, it seems, with so much at stake. Their impact is vast and encompasses many aspects of society not the least of which are the supply chains of industries like fashion.
It’s difficult to foresee where things are headed – changes are unfolding by the hour. There’s a sense of uncertainty in the air, a continuation from last year – now riddled with fear. Fortunately, there are steps we can take – at least when it comes to our supply chains – to ease the challenges we’re facing both today and in the future. Read on to learn more.
What’s going on with the fashion supply chain?
For one thing, imposed tariffs aren’t forecast to let up anytime soon. In fact, they may be escalating between the US and EU as early as February 1. The Supreme Court is currently assessing whether the tariffs implemented by the U.S. Trump administration are legal – in the meantime, global markets are waiting to see what happens.
This unsettled situation is only made worse by the lack of transparency across the fashion supply chain. Prices are unclear, with fragmented manufacturing making it difficult to determine final costs. Project statuses and approvals are also hard to determine, with delays being all too common.
And on the note of supply chain costs – they’re rising on nearly all fronts. This means companies must prioritize cost optimizations, reassessing where they’re putting their resources and what needs to be prioritized.
While costs are rising, consumer spending is due to decline this year as concerns rise over the state of the global market and a softening labor market.
And lastly, workforce challenges are real with labor shortages, automation processes, and staffing restrictions. Companies are working to protect themselves by creating lean workflows.
Where fashion is turning
For sourcing professionals, the stress of the above challenges can be inhibiting – but it doesn’t have to be. Business needs to continue and workarounds are of the essence. One such workaround – at least for some of the issues outlined here – is Material Exchange’s AI sourcing assistant, Frank the bear.
With Frank to support the sourcing process, transparency is no longer a problem. Each of the wide range of materials available through Frank is accompanied by detailed attribute data, high-quality visuals, and sustainability information, providing brand sourcing professionals with a clear overview of just what it is they’re getting when they choose a given fabric.
By removing any question marks around the materials under consideration, brands are empowered to make confident sourcing decisions for their upcoming lines.
Frank also facilitates seamless communication between all involved in the sourcing process. This means that any questions on price changes, project statuses, delivery tracking, and more can be resolved in one place with full visibility for all parties of interest.
World affairs may be in a state of instability – but Frank is not. This furry fellow is here, as always, to support the fashion industry’s sourcing needs. Learn more about what this bear can do for your business by booking a demo with us here:
Let Frank ease some of your sourcing challenges so you can focus on making great products for your customers.