Supply chain disruptions cost global businesses billions: report

Supply chain disruptions are costing organizations an estimated $184 billion annually, according to a new report from global consulting firm J.S. Held.

The 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report highlights the growing risks businesses face due to geopolitical instability, climate change, cyberattacks, fraud and regulatory pressures. A survey of 2,000 European shipping customers by Maersk found that 76 per cent experienced supply chain disruptions in the past year, with 22 per cent reporting more than 20 incidents.

“As consumers, governments, and corporations acknowledge the effects of supply chain risks, transparency and due diligence will become more critical to the internal compliance structure of global businesses,” said Andrea Korney, vice-president of sustainability at J.S. Held.

The report notes that stricter regulations, particularly in the European Union, are forcing companies to increase oversight of their supply chains.

“These risks are no longer hypothetical—they are actively reshaping the business landscape,” said John Peiserich, an environmental risk and compliance expert at J.S. Held.

Failure to address these challenges could lead to financial losses, operational disruptions and reputational damage, the report warns.