The National Foreign Trade Council recently launched the Alliance for National Security and Competitiveness to mitigate risks associated with international supply chain security. The move underscores the importance of supply chain stability in bolstering America's economic strength.
According to a press release by Don Graves on the Department of Commerce website, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on supply chains has led to numerous efforts by the department to stabilize national supply chains. In addition, Graves highlighted several national factors that underscore the need for a robust supply chain. He cited Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, escalating global climate crisis marked by record temperatures, and the rise of authoritarian regimes as significant threats to the established global economic order. These developments have prompted the Department of Commerce to focus more on national security than ever before, investing substantial resources to ensure America is prepared for future challenges.
Graves further revealed that the Commerce Department is initiating a unique Supply Chain Center for the federal government aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience. This center will assist in addressing supply chain challenges, improving government investments, and supporting industry in building resilient supply chains. Later this year, a Supply Chain Data and Analytics Summit will be convened to gather insights from experts nationwide and identify opportunities for data sharing.
Environmental security continues to be a priority for the Department of Commerce. Graves pointed out that last year saw over 28 billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events - a record high in history. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is currently collaborating with other agencies to develop capabilities for providing high-quality forecasts and managing extreme weather and climate events. NOAA is also integrating extreme weather and climate information into disaster planning processes to enhance energy security and minimize exposure to severe weather events.
