Is COVID-19 a turning point in stopping global sourcing? Differentiating between declining continental and increasing transcontinental sourcing

Purpose This research aims to investigate the impact of current COVID-19 pandemic (C19, Corona) on trends transcontinental sourcing as an extreme form global sourcing. study starts by observing that sideward movement international trade in past decade can be differentiated into increase and a relative decline intra-EU By differentiating between continental sourcing, this gains insights conducts fine-grained analysis COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach After analysing Eurostat statistics, authors conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with companies from multiple industry sectors affected high share suppliers. Using Gioia method, data were structured. examining identified motives, challenges solutions, analyse Findings The seems not represent turning point stopping did find evidence for trend reversal. Most interviewed opinion will remain important or slightly future. Based their specific motives it became clear factors supportive well detrimental are levelling each other out. Originality/value To best authors’ knowledge, is first explicitly different types While European decreasing already evident, shown our analysis, there lack investigations addressing In study, concentrated solutions Extending beyond immediate assessment, findings suggest purchasing would benefit treating transcontinental, remote distinct process particularly intra-EU-sourcing.