Supply Chain Update | Summer 2026
Navigating an Uncertain Global Supply Chain
For the wine industry, supply chain planning continues to require far more than simply placing purchase orders. Trade policy, geopolitical events, freight markets, and domestic manufacturing capacity are all changing rapidly—and those changes directly impact cost, availability, and lead times.
At West Coast Glass & Packaging Group, our role is to help wineries stay ahead of those changes so they can remain focused on making and selling great wine.
Trade Policy Continues to Evolve
One of the biggest developments this summer is the U.S. Trade Representative's proposed Section 301 tariff actions targeting imports over forced labor enforcement concerns. While implementation is still under review, the proposals have already caused importers to reassess sourcing strategies and inventory planning.
For wineries, this reinforces the importance of working with suppliers that understand both domestic and international sourcing options before market conditions change.
North American Glass Remains Well Positioned
As the 2026 USMCA review begins, North American manufacturing continues to offer meaningful advantages for many packaging programs. Diversifying supply sources between domestic production and qualified international manufacturers remains one of the most effective strategies for managing both cost and risk.
Ocean Freight Remains a Wild Card
Container markets have once again reminded everyone how quickly freight costs can change. Ongoing conflict involving Iran and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have increased volatility in global shipping markets. Businesses are also accelerating imports ahead of potential tariff changes, creating additional pressure on freight pricing.
Flexibility and planning remain the best defense against future disruptions.
On-the-Road Transportation Remains Challenging
While ocean freight continues to attract headlines, domestic trucking remains one of the most dynamic—and often unpredictable—components of the supply chain.
Diesel prices continue to influence transportation costs through fuel surcharges, while seasonal events such as the annual DOT International Roadcheck ('DOT Week') temporarily reduce available trucking capacity as some drivers choose to stay off the road during heightened inspections. Strong demand allows carriers to prioritize the highest-paying freight lanes, increasing pricing pressure.
Additional challenges include driver availability, equipment imbalances, warehouse appointment delays, weather disruptions, and congestion at key distribution hubs. These factors can quickly impact transit times and freight costs during peak shipping periods.
At West Coast Glass & Packaging Group, we work with a trusted network of qualified transportation partners across North America and routinely shop freight to secure competitive pricing. While no logistics provider is immune to changing market conditions, our experience allows us to respond quickly when issues arise, identify alternative transportation solutions, and hold our carrier partners accountable for delivering the level of service our customers expect.
As always, early planning, flexibility, and proactive communication remain the best tools for minimizing transportation risk and avoiding costly disruptions.
What This Means for Wineries
Today's packaging decisions are no longer just about finding the lowest price.
Successful wineries are increasingly asking:
Should we diversify supply sources?
How much inventory should we carry?
Which products should be sourced domestically versus internationally?
What risks should we be planning for six to twelve months from now?
These conversations often create significantly more value than negotiating a few dollars per pallet.
About West Coast Glass & Packaging Group
West Coast Glass & Packaging Group was founded by industry veterans Jeff Oberti and Carson Wright with a simple belief: wineries deserve experienced partners who understand the business—not just salespeople who move products.
Having spent decades working across winery operations, packaging manufacturing, forecasting, distribution, and supply chain management, our team understands the challenges wineries face because we've lived them ourselves.
We combine access to leading domestic and international manufacturers with practical, hands-on industry experience to help customers make smarter long-term packaging decisions.
Whether we're sourcing glass, closures, cartons, or helping develop long-range procurement strategies, our goal remains the same: provide white-glove service, transparent communication, and dependable supply chain solutions that allow wineries to focus on what they do best—making exceptional wine.
Looking Ahead
The remainder of 2026 will likely continue to bring change across global trade and logistics.
We'll continue monitoring tariff developments, freight markets, manufacturing capacity, and international events so our customers don't have to.
If you'd like to review your packaging strategy for 2027 or discuss opportunities to reduce risk in your supply chain, we'd welcome the conversation.
Let's Start the Conversation
Whether you're planning your next bottling, evaluating packaging options, or looking for ways to reduce supply chain risk, West Coast Glass & Packaging Group is ready to help.
Scan the QR code to visit www.wcgpgroup.com. The QR code takes you directly to the West Coast Glass & Packaging Group website where you can learn about our products and services, meet our team, explore our capabilities, and contact us to discuss your next packaging project.