The supply chain is the linked set of organizations, resources, and processes that form our complex economy including the design, development, manufacturing, processing, handling, and delivery of products and services. The U.S. Census Bureau produces data on numerous aspects of the supply chain, including manufacturing, imports and exports, the movement of goods, the sale of goods, and the labor supply. While these data are an important resource in and of themselves, the Census Bureau is working to make them even more useful and accessible. Current projects are linking these separate data assets together, identifying and addressing data gaps, and creating data visualizations and tools. The resulting comprehensive supply chain data infrastructure will provide vital insight into the resilience of American supply chains.

Purpose

Recent supply chain crises, including shortages such as toilet paper, pressure treated lumber, semiconductors, baby formula, and covid-vaccines, have highlighted the need to strengthen American supply chains.

Stakeholders across the government, the private sector, and the public demand insight. Recent legislation, including the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, calls for the federal government to take action.

The Census Bureau collects data on numerous aspects of the supply chain, including manufacturing, imports and exports, the movement of goods, the sale of goods, and the labor supply. In fact, there are at least 20 survey programs at the Census Bureau that collect data relevant to the supply chain. These programs were designed to measure distinct economic topics and are an important resource when used separately. However, their potential for helping to ensure a resilient supply chain derives from the ability to bring these data sources together.