Supply chains: resilience > stability
New research argues 2026 supply chains must prioritise adaptability—not just stability—with nearshoring, AI risk tools, sustainability and real‑time scenario planning leading the agenda. That reframes FP&A work: model shocks as expected outcomes and quantify resilience impacts on margin and working capital. (rhenus.group)
Rhenus published its "Seven Global Supply Chain Trends Shaping 2026" briefing on April 2, 2026, framing the year as one of recalibration after a volatile 2025. (rhenus.group) The firm says ocean freight is undergoing its most significant consolidation in years, with a small number of alliances now controlling the vast majority of global container capacity as carriers seek to restore pricing power. (rhenus.group) Airfreight capacity remains available but has become increasingly lane‑specific across Trans‑Pacific and trans‑Atlantic routes, a pattern Rhenus ties to tariff uncertainty and regulatory change. (rhenus.group) Rhenus highlights major investment into inland Chinese logistics hubs—Chongqing, Xi’an and Chengdu—where automation, AI‑driven warehouse systems and digital trade documentation are being deployed to extend networks beyond coastal gateways. (rhenus.group) The briefing documents manufacturers’ tactical shift to postpone final production steps and keep goods semi‑finished longer to preserve flexibility, while companies accelerate investment in inland corridors, value‑added warehousing and multimodal links to upgraded ports and airports. (rhenus.group) Rhenus records a geographic rebalancing: volumes are moving toward Eastern Europe—particularly Poland—for EU proximity, while the Americas show rising nearshoring into Mexico and broader Latin America driven by tariff dynamics and evolving trade agreements. (rhenus.group) The report frames current sourcing changes as friend‑shoring rather than full reshoring, noting that political alignment and regulatory stability are now explicit design criteria for network decisions. (rhenus.group)
