DP World survey finds strong business confidence despite rising trade uncertainty

Despite a fragile global trade outlook, business confidence remains strong heading into 2026, according to a new report from DP World.

The Global Trade Observatory (GTO) Annual Outlook Report 2026 found that 94 per cent of surveyed supply chain and logistics executives expect trade growth next year to match or exceed the pace of 2025. More than half of respondents expect faster growth, while 40 per cent anticipate growth to remain the same.

The survey, conducted in November 2025 ahead of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, included 3,500 senior executives across eight industries and 19 countries.

Optimism persists despite rising uncertainty. The report found 53 per cent of respondents expect high or very high policy uncertainty in 2026, while 90 per cent anticipate trade barriers will rise or remain unchanged. Only 25 per cent expect a negative impact on their business, compared with 49 per cent who foresee no effect and 26 per cent who expect a positive impact.

The findings contrast with some macroeconomic forecasts. The International Monetary Fund has projected global trade growth by volume could slow to 2.3 per cent in 2026, down from an estimated 3.6 per cent in 2025.

Executives identified Europe and China as the regions with the greatest trade growth potential in 2026, followed by Asia Pacific and North America.

“Global trade is becoming increasingly complex, not less so. Our role is clear: to keep trade moving by understanding where friction exists, anticipating where it may emerge next and investing in the infrastructure, capabilities and partnerships that help our customers operate more efficiently and reliably,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World.

The report was developed with Geneva-based Horizon Group. Margareta Drzeniek, managing partner at Horizon Group, said companies are adapting to volatility rather than retreating from trade.

“What we’re seeing is confidence with contingency plans. Executives are embedding resilience into strategy by diversifying suppliers, reassessing routes and adding options, because volatility is now the baseline. Those best positioned will be the ones who can turn those resilience plans into measurable performance,” she said.

The survey shows companies are redesigning supply chains to manage risk, with supplier diversification, higher inventory levels and friend-shoring among the most common strategies planned for 2026. Many respondents also cited plans to explore new trade routes, driven by cost savings, improved infrastructure and faster customs clearance.

Customs delays remain a major challenge, with 60 per cent of executives identifying border clearance as a leading cause of disruption. Respondents also highlighted the need for further investment in warehousing, logistics hubs, road networks and border infrastructure.