A buyer of bakery products sees wheat shortages due to poor harvests but demand remains...

In commodity markets, shortages combined with sustained demand drive price increases. The buyer loses bargaining power, as suppliers can charge higher rates. Negotiating downward is unrealistic; instead, buyers should manage risk through hedging, forward contracts, or alternative sourcing. CIPS notes that responsible sourcing requires understanding market dynamics and their ethical implications (e.g., food security, affordability). The organisation must manage stakeholder expectations about pricing rather than assume negotiation leverage. This reflects the implications of market volatility in global supply chains.