value chainnoun [ C ]
ukusPRODUCTION, ECONOMICSthe series of stages involved in producing a product or service that is sold to consumers, with each stage adding to the value to the product or service:
We want recycled materials to reenter the value chain as raw materials.
the series of companies involved in the different stages of producing a product or service that is sold to consumers, with each stage adding to its value:
China is pushing hard to move up the value chain in manufacturing.