What are the top risks manufacturers expect in the next 12 months?

According to the Supply Technologies survey, tariffs and trade policies rank first at 62% of concerns, followed by transportation and logistics issues at 54%, geopolitical instability at 44%, and material shortages at 42%. These risks are increasingly viewed as interconnected rather than isolated events.

What actions are manufacturers taking to build supply chain resilience?

The survey shows 64% of manufacturers are increasing inventory levels, 54% are diversifying suppliers, 48% are expanding nearshoring and regional sourcing, 46% are investing in better forecasting and demand planning, and 38% are improving digital supply chain visibility. This multi-layered approach addresses different types of risk simultaneously.

What is the difference between protection and adaptability in supply chain resilience?

Protection shields a manufacturer from immediate disruption impacts, while adaptability allows real-time response as issues occur. Supply Technologies notes that the strongest supply chains combine both, and the resilience gap exists between organizations that are merely protected versus those prepared to adapt dynamically.

How concerned are manufacturers about facing disruptions?

82% of respondents in the Supply Technologies survey expressed concern about facing a new disruption within the next 12 months. Additionally, 80% rate their current supply chain resilience at seven out of 10 or higher, suggesting awareness of both vulnerability and ongoing preparedness efforts.

Why have tariffs become the top supply chain concern for manufacturers?

Tariffs and trade policies represent 62% of manufacturers' top concerns because they create unpredictable cost pressures and can rapidly alter sourcing economics. Unlike some operational disruptions that are temporary, tariff changes can be structural and affect supplier selection, inventory positioning, and nearshoring strategies for extended periods.

Risk & Disruption

High Impact

94% of Manufacturers Prioritize Resilience Amid Global Disruptions

Oct 23, 2026

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The signal

A Supply Technologies survey of 50 senior manufacturing professionals reveals that supply chain resilience has become a critical strategic priority, with 94% of manufacturers rating it more important than five years ago. The research identifies tariffs and trade policies as the top concern for 62% of respondents over the next 12 months, followed by transportation and logistics issues, geopolitical instability, and material shortages.

In response, manufacturers are adopting multi-layered resilience strategies that balance both protection against immediate disruptions and adaptability to respond in real time. The findings indicate that organizations are no longer preparing for isolated events but rather operating in an environment where multiple simultaneous risks reinforce one another, requiring more sophisticated and integrated approaches to supply chain management.

This shift represents a structural change in how manufacturers view risk mitigation and operational strategy.

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#manufacturing-disruption

#tariff-risk

#supplier-diversification

#supply-chain-visibility

#risk-management

Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if tariffs on key commodities increase by 15-25% over next quarter?

Model the impact of a 15-25% tariff increase on current sourcing footprint, including cost implications, supplier diversification triggers, and nearshoring feasibility under different tariff scenarios. Evaluate inventory buffer strategies and demand planning adjustments needed to maintain service levels.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if transportation and logistics costs spike by 10-15% due to geopolitical events?

Simulate the effect of a 10-15% transportation cost increase on current mode mix, carrier contracts, and regional sourcing strategy. Model impacts on safety stock levels, lead times, and whether nearshoring becomes economically viable compared to current long-haul sourcing.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if key supplier availability drops 20% due to geopolitical disruption?

Evaluate supplier diversification effectiveness by modeling a 20% reduction in capacity from current primary suppliers. Test whether diversification and nearshoring investments provide adequate buffer, and identify safety stock adjustments needed to maintain demand fulfillment during supply interruption.

Run this scenario

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