Maersk warns trade volatility is reshaping global supply chains

A new report from shipping giant Maersk says businesses are being forced to overhaul their supply chains as global trade becomes increasingly unpredictable due to tariffs, regulatory shifts and geopolitical instability.

Nearly half of business leaders surveyed ranked rising tariffs and trade barriers as their top international challenge, while 41 per cent cited geopolitical risks. The report notes 40 per cent of supply chain executives expect double-digit increases in input costs, and more than half of companies have already faced fines for noncompliance with evolving trade rules.

To manage risk, firms are diversifying production locations, expanding supplier networks and investing in reshoring or nearshoring operations. Maersk says 73 per cent of European companies have already adopted regional production strategies this year, up sharply from 42 per cent in 2024.

The report emphasizes that customs management is becoming a critical function, warning that missteps in classification, documentation and compliance can undermine resilience efforts. It argues that companies that treat customs as a strategic enabler, rather than a back-office task, will be better positioned to adapt to future disruptions.

Visit here for the full report.