4 in 5 supply chain leaders expect disruptions to persist for two more years, Maersk survey finds
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A new Maersk survey of more than 900 European companies has found that most supply chain leaders believe global disruptions will continue for at least another two years. The findings reflect the ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and tariff uncertainty across international markets.
Four in five supply chain professionals said they expect volatility to persist for the next 12 to 24 months. Around 78 percent anticipate that geopolitical factors, trade tariffs and evolving regulations will continue to affect their operations. Almost half of respondents expressed deep concern about the geopolitical climate, while four out of five agreed that supply chain challenges are already limiting their potential for growth.
Businesses diversify to stay resilient
To mitigate these pressures, many businesses are diversifying their sourcing strategies. Three out of four said they are already sourcing from multiple geographies or plan to do so soon. This represents a sharp rise from Maersk’s 2024 survey, in which only 53 percent were considering new sourcing locations. The trend signals a clear move toward resilience and flexibility as companies adapt to ongoing uncertainty.
Businesses are also focusing on stronger relationships with their logistics providers and suppliers. Four in five respondents said they are deepening these partnerships to strengthen collaboration and responsiveness. Meanwhile, three in five companies are investing in technology that improves supply chain visibility and agility. Three in four said they are adapting to alternative trade routes to keep goods moving despite disruptions.
Turning uncertainty into opportunity
According to Aymeric Chandavoine, President Europe at A.P. Moller – Maersk, European businesses have faced persistent challenges in recent years, and the global environment remains unpredictable. However, he noted that many companies are now turning uncertainty into opportunity.
“Now is not the time to lament the cards we’ve been dealt – now is the time to take action and grow,” Chandavoine said. “More and more European businesses are refusing to sit back and wait for volatility to ease. Instead, they are looking to build smarter, more resilient networks that support their ambitions for growth.”
Agility and data are key
Maersk’s Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting, Lars Karlsson, agreed that waiting for stability is not a viable option. With more than four decades of experience in customs and tariffs, he described tariffs as one of the most disruptive elements in global trade. When the United States introduced sweeping import tariffs earlier this year, many supply chain managers found themselves scrambling to respond overnight.
Karlsson’s team of 2,700 Maersk customs brokers worked with cargo owners around the world to help them adapt quickly. He said that companies that had already gathered and digitised their global customs data through Maersk’s Trade and Tariff Studio platform were far better prepared for sudden changes than those that took a wait-and-see approach.
“With the right tools and partners you can control even such a black swan event,” he said. “You need to be proactive and become more agile in a geopolitical environment like today. To achieve this, you need full control of your global customs data, have it digitally in one central platform where you can blend it with the data of sudden tariff changes as they happen.”
Tariffs remain a major concern
The survey also confirmed that tariffs will remain a top concern for European businesses over the coming years. The three biggest challenges respondents expect from evolving geopolitics are fluctuating import and export costs, higher trade tariffs and uncertainty in global trade policies.
Forty-six percent of participants expect to face more variation in trade costs, 43 percent anticipate increased tariffs and 40 percent foresee growing uncertainty around international trade regulations.
Proactive businesses will lead the way
For Maersk, the message is clear. Companies that act decisively and invest in visibility, digital tools and stronger partnerships will be best positioned to navigate the next phase of global trade. Waiting for stability is not a strategy. The ability to manage complexity through diversification, collaboration and data-driven decision making is becoming a defining factor for success in European supply chains.
A.P. Moller – Maersk operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people. The company continues to focus on simplifying global logistics and helping customers build more resilient supply chains. Maersk aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through the introduction of new technologies, new vessels and fuels that deliver at least 65 percent lifecycle reductions in emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.
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