Amazon's Supply Chain Is Breaking and Small Businesses Are Screwed

Amazon and the global supply chain are faltering under the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic. The world's largest retailer announced Tuesday morning that it is suspending all shipments of non-essential products to its warehouses, a move that may help people ordering things like toilet paper and food but will singlehandedly destroy thousands of independent businesses that have come to rely on Amazon’s monolithic platform. “We are seeing increased online shopping, and as a result some products such as household staples and medical supplies are out of stock,” Amazon wrote in a letter to sellers who use its “Fulfilled by Amazon” service. “With this in mind, we are temporarily prioritizing household staples, medical supplies, and other high-demand products coming into our fulfillment centers so that we can more quickly receive, restock, and deliver these products to customers.”