A new Maersk survey of more than 900 European companies shows that supply-chain instability is expected to remain a defining business challenge for the next one to two years.
Supply chain turbulence to last two more years
According to the findings, four in five supply-chain leaders believe disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and fluctuating tariffs will continue to affect operations well into 2027. Nearly half of the respondents expressed deep concern about the geopolitical climate, specifically, and an overwhelming majority said that ongoing challenges are already slowing or constraining their company’s growth.
The survey highlights that many companies anticipate rising import and export costs, further tariff increases and continued uncertainty around global trade rules. These trends are reinforcing the sense that disruption is no longer temporary but has become a structural feature of the global trading system. As a result, firms are beginning to overhaul their strategies rather than wait for conditions to stabilise.
To cope with this reality, businesses are increasingly diversifying where they source materials and components. Compared with Maersk’s survey last year, there has been a sharp rise in companies pursuing multi-geography sourcing strategies as a hedge against regional disruptions. At the same time, organisations are strengthening their relationships with logistics partners and key suppliers to build more robust networks capable of absorbing shocks. Investments in supply-chain visibility platforms, data tools and flexible routing options are also accelerating as companies seek greater agility and real-time insights.
Maersk notes that the complex geopolitical environment is the central force shaping these decisions. With unpredictability expected to persist, companies are moving towards supply-chain models that prioritise resilience over efficiency alone. Leaders at Maersk emphasise that doing nothing is the riskiest strategy; instead, they encourage businesses to adopt the tools, data and partnerships needed to navigate even sudden, large-scale disruptions.
Ultimately, the survey suggests that disruption has become the “new normal,” and businesses have a limited window to adapt. Those that redesign their sourcing strategies, invest in visibility and maintain strong logistics partnerships will be better positioned not just to withstand volatility but to turn it into a competitive advantage.
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Source: Maersk
