How Logistics History Explains Modern Supply Chain Risks

This article features an interview with Ryan Petersen examining logistics through a historical lens, connecting historical trade networks—including the Dutch and British East India Companies—to modern supply chain challenges like tariff fraud. The piece uses historical examples of spice markups and opium trade to illustrate how logistics and smuggling networks have always been intertwined with global commerce. While presented as educational content rather than breaking news, the interview highlights the persistent nature of illicit trade and fraud in supply chains.

For supply chain professionals, the key insight is that tariff evasion and informal logistics networks are not new phenomena; understanding their historical patterns can inform compliance and risk management strategies. The connection between historical trading networks and modern tariff fraud suggests that sophisticated smuggling operations continue to exploit structural weaknesses in customs enforcement and documentation systems. The mention of a "1,000x spice markup" and organized Jewish trading networks underscores how information asymmetry and network effects have historically driven supply chain value—lessons relevant to modern logistics efficiency and competitive advantage.

Supply chain leaders should recognize that regulatory arbitrage and informal networks remain significant operational risks requiring robust compliance frameworks.