In general, the supply chain starts with which of the following?

• A. Raw material suppliers
• B. Retailers
• C. Consumers
• D. Distributors

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a supply chain: it is the sequence of processes involved in the production and distribution of a commodity.
2. Identify the key participants in a supply chain, which typically include raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
3. Recognize that the supply chain begins at the very start of the production process, which involves obtaining the basic inputs or raw materials needed to create products.
4. Note that raw material suppliers provide these essential inputs, making them the starting point of the supply chain.
5. Conclude that since retailers, consumers, and distributors come later in the process, the supply chain starts with raw material suppliers.