Trade policies set by governments and other relevant bodies globally significantly impact the supply chain. They affect the movement of goods and services across borders while influencing the economic performance of businesses and different industries. Therefore, the development of policies needs to be done with the potential impacts in mind. With global trade being a critical component of the global economy that allows countries to access goods and services that they may not be able to produce domestically, the policies need to be developed with this in mind because it drives economic growth and development. However, recent trends in global trade have favoured a narrow range of suppliers, with a heavy reliance on a small number of countries, as the pandemic exposed the weaknesses of the current supply chains. This concentration of suppliers poses significant risks to the global supply chain, and there is a growing need for greater supply diversity. This article assesses the impact of global trade policies on supply chains by first looking into the background of global trade policies.

In recent years, the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in the supply chain has become increasingly apparent. Customers, employees, shareholders and governments have started to pressure supply chain firms to ensure greater environmental stewardship and increase social responsibility. Thus, supply chain sustainability has become a crucial talking point for many people in different circles. Therefore, ensuring that this process is sustainable and socially responsible is essential for businesses' long-term success and viability.

Technology has had a significant impact on the way supply chains operate and function. From small businesses to large enterprises, the use of technology has proven to be a vital tool in improving supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. This article will explore the role of technology in five key areas of the supply chain.