Growing supply chain disruption reshaping trade strategies across the Americas

Half of North American businesses lost more than one month of operational time due to supply chain disruptions over the past year, while nearly 40 per cent faced disruption-related costs of $1 million or more, according to a new global report from DP World.

The report, The World Without Logistics: Global Report, examines how growing disruption, including port congestion, border delays, extreme weather and geopolitical tension, is reshaping trade strategies across the Americas. It finds companies are moving more quickly to diversify supply chains, invest in resilient infrastructure and integrate logistics operations closer to end markets.

“Supply chain disruption is happening more frequently, from more directions, and the cost of reacting too late is growing,” said Morten Johansen, chief operating officer of DP World in the Americas. “This report reinforces the need for supply chains that boost diversification, more regional, and better integrated. Across the Americas, customers are prioritizing infrastructure quality, reliability and end-to-end connectivity to stay competitive in an increasingly complex trade environment.”

The report is based on a survey of hundreds of beneficial cargo owners across eight industries and nine major trade regions. It found about 65 per cent of North American companies expect logistics spending to increase in the next 12 months, while 78 per cent plan higher investment in artificial intelligence, automation and digital logistics tools over the next three years. More than 80 per cent of respondents also expect logistics to become a more strategic focus at the board level.

DP World said recent investments across the Americas reflect these trends, including port expansions in Vancouver, B.C., Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, new direct shipping services linking the Americas to Asia and expanded freight forwarding, warehousing and low-emission technology initiatives in Canada, the United States and Latin America.

The report positions the Americas as a key driver of future global trade growth, citing modern infrastructure, expanding regional trade corridors and increased collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Visit here for the full report.