Strengthening U.S. Supply Chain Resilience Through Data-Driven Reverse Logistics Optimization: A Framework for Resource Sovereignty, Defense Readiness, and Economic Stability

Pandemic, geopolitical conflict, trade restrictions and resource shortages have highlighted the fragility of the global supply chain. The United States, however, has begun to emphasize supply chain resilience as one of the issues of economic security and national defense. Most resilience programs are targeted at the forward logistics operations, while reverse logistics is still a largely untapped strategic capability. This paper explores how data-driven reverse logistics optimization can help improve U.S. supply chain resilience through improved resource recovery, defense readiness and economic stability. This study introduces a holistic framework to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of reverse logistics networks by combining predictive analytics, AI, intelligent routing systems, remanufacturing operations, and closed-loop supply chain concepts. The framework places a focus on domestic sourcing of critical minerals and strategic materials from end-of-life products, minimizing reliance on foreign supplies and promoting national resource sovereignty. Moreover, the study illuminates the importance of reverse logistics, which can enhance the Defense Industrial Base by supporting the harvesting, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of components to increase operational readiness. Moreover, the research shows how a reverse logistics optimized system can serve as an economic buffer when the supply chain system is disrupted, ensuring product availability and reducing the risk of inflation. The proposed framework is consistent with federal efforts to ensure critical supply chains and increase national resilience. The results indicate that the reverse logistics should not be considered simply waste management or cost-cutting but as a strategic national asset that can be used to achieve long-term national strategic goals in economic competitiveness, industrial sustainability, and national security. The study adds to an emerging body of research on resilient supply chains by offering a national-interest analysis of the challenges and opportunities of optimizing reverse logistics, and how it can bolster the strategic infrastructure of the United States.