Main content

Global supply chains: is the UK vulnerable?

If global supply chains are interrupted, how will the UK cope? Are there measures in place to ensure the seamless supply of goods and services, including food?

When the 400 metre long Ultra Large Container Vessel, Ever Given, got wedged diagonally across the Suez Canal at the end of March, it brought one of the world鈥檚 most important trade routes to a standstill for six days. Around ten per cent of global shipping passes through the canal.
Shipping itself is responsible for some 90 per cent of global trade. The blockage served to revive worries that global supply chains have become a source of vulnerability for economies that rely on international trade. The immediate effect of the Ever Given accident for the UK may not become clear for several weeks.
The Briefing Room asks what longer term vulnerabilities has it exposed and how might these best be mitigated?

Presenter: David Aaronovitch
Production team: Tim Mansel, Paul Moss and Kirsteen Knight

Satellite image shows stranded container ship Ever Given in Suez canal. Egypt March 25th 2021. Credit: Reuters

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Sat 10 Apr 2021 11:00
大象传媒 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Covid-19 and the World

Next

Northern Ireland: how fragile is the peace process?

See all episodes from The Briefing Room

  • Brexit Business

    Two months since Britain signed a trade deal with the EU, is it working well for business?

  • GameStop Shock

    Chaos on the US markets last week as GameStop鈥檚 price rocketed, but what really happened?

  • Facebook's Monopoly Problem

    David Aaronovitch explores the antitrust case against Facebook.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 8 Apr 2021 20:00
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sat 10 Apr 2021 11:00
    大象传媒 Radio 4

Podcast

  • The Briefing Room

    David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.