Canadian businesses prioritize supplier diversification as supply chain resilience focus grows

Canadian businesses are redesigning their supply chains to improve resilience and support future growth, with supplier diversification emerging as the leading strategic priority for 2026, according to a survey by DP World’s Global Trade Observatory.

The international survey, which included 139 supply chain and logistics executives in Canada, found that businesses are adopting more flexible sourcing strategies as they respond to an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Among Canadian respondents, 62 per cent said they plan to increase the number of suppliers they use to diversify sourcing, compared with 51 per cent globally. The survey also found that 50 per cent of Canadian businesses plan to increase inventory levels, while 30 per cent are pursuing friend-shoring strategies and 26 per cent are exploring nearshoring opportunities.

The findings suggest companies are combining multiple approaches, including supplier diversification, inventory resilience and regional sourcing, to reduce risk while expanding into new markets.

Among respondents planning to diversify their supplier base, the top drivers were entering new markets and adopting new technologies, each cited by 39 per cent of respondents, followed by improving agility and resilience at 32 per cent. Responding to tariffs and increasing self-sufficiency were each identified by 27 per cent of respondents.

Despite market uncertainty, Canadian companies remain focused on growth. The survey found that 51 per cent of respondents identified growing demand from new markets and consumers as a key growth driver over the next one to three years, while an equal percentage cited deploying artificial intelligence. Improved infrastructure and transport capacity was identified by 44 per cent.

“Canadian businesses are building supply chains that are both more resilient and better positioned for growth,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada. “Diversifying suppliers, expanding into new markets and investing in technology all depend on efficient trade infrastructure and integrated logistics networks. As supply chains become more complex, businesses need reliable connectivity across ports, inland transportation, warehousing and distribution to compete successfully in global markets.”

DP World said it is seeing increased demand for integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions that connect ports, terminals, inland logistics networks, warehousing facilities and transportation corridors.

The company said recent investments, including the Contrecoeur expansion project in Quebec and the upcoming Salish Sea Gateway development in British Columbia, are aimed at expanding trade infrastructure capacity and improving supply chain connectivity across Canada.

The Global Trade Observatory survey was conducted in November 2025.