Supply Chain Pulse — 2026-06-18

Hospitals are deep in triage mode as Medline and Hologic supply disruptions — expected to drag through year-end — force procurement teams to scramble for alternatives on critical surgical and diagnostic supplies. That's a long runway of uncertainty, and it lands alongside air freight spot rates that are still 41% above last year's levels, making expedited sourcing significantly more expensive as a backstop. Meanwhile, new customs rule changes are quietly raising the stakes for anyone with complex importer-of-record arrangements — a detail that can blow up a contingency sourcing plan fast. Today is a good day to pressure-test your shortage protocols and confirm your air freight exposure before both cost you more than they should.

Quick Hits

• Boston Scientific's new Indiana DC signals continued med-tech onshoring momentum as manufacturers bring distribution closer to domestic production. (Supply Chain Dive - Healthcare)

How hospitals are managing Medline, Hologic product shortages

Providers are actively working around shortages of critical surgical and diagnostic supplies from two of healthcare's largest vendors, with disruptions projected to continue through the end of 2026. The extended timeline puts real pressure on value analysis committees and GPO contract flexibility, as facilities can't simply wait out the gap. Supply chain teams should be auditing current par levels, identifying qualified alternates now, and communicating proactively with clinical staff before the back half of the year arrives.

Source: Modern Healthcare

Air freight spot rates spike 41% YoY in May, but relief expected soon

Xeneta data shows air freight spot rates hit a significant April peak and remained 41% above year-ago levels through May — a painful reality for any supply chain team using air as a shortage contingency. The good news: returning Middle East carrier capacity is expected to start easing rates in June, which could provide a narrow window of cost relief. If you're holding off on expedited shipments, the next few weeks may be the right time to move.

Source: Supply Chain Dive - Healthcare

Trump is shaking up customs rules. What should shippers know?

Evolving customs regulations are creating compliance complexity for medical device and supply importers, with experts urging companies to review importer-of-record arrangements and build deeper visibility into their supply chains before changes take effect. For hospitals and ASCs sourcing internationally or relying on distributors who import on their behalf, the risk is liability exposure you may not even know you have. Now is the time to ask your vendors exactly who is listed as importer of record — and what that means for your organization if rules shift.

Source: Supply Chain Dive - Healthcare

Boston Scientific to build Indiana distribution center

Boston Scientific announced plans to construct a new distribution center in Indiana, co-located near a principal manufacturing facility, to handle global medical device logistics. For health system supply chain leaders, domestic manufacturing-adjacent distribution capacity from a major device supplier is a modest but meaningful signal of onshoring momentum in the med-tech sector. Closer distribution hubs can translate to shorter lead times and reduced freight exposure — worth watching as the facility comes online.

Source: Supply Chain Dive - Healthcare

Inside Bristol Myers' AI-powered procurement overhaul

Bristol Myers Squibb compressed procurement cycle times from months to weeks by deploying AI across its sourcing operations — and notably pushed back on the conventional assumption that you need clean, complete data before AI can deliver value. While pharma procurement differs from hospital supply chain operations, the underlying lesson applies broadly: waiting for perfect data readiness may be the biggest barrier organizations are self-imposing. If your team has shelved an AI pilot over data quality concerns, BMS's experience is worth a closer read.

Source: Supply Chain Dive - Healthcare

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