Insights: Trends shaping global supply chains in 2025

The landscape of global supply chains is poised for transformative change in 2025. With the lessons learned from recent disruptions, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the resilience and adaptability of supply chains have never been more critical.

As a CEO in Europe, Middle East and Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of our industry, shaped by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviours, and increasing sustainability demands.

This is a significant focus for the GCC as the UAE is projected to invest $31bn into the logistics sector by 2026.

Saudi Arabia has also made clear its plan to become a main global trading hub with projects such as the Red Sea Global Port and an investment of $267bn into the industry.

Looking ahead, we must embrace a future where agility and innovation are paramount. The integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics will redefine operational efficiencies, while the commitment to sustainability will drive us to rethink traditional models.

Let’s deep dive into the key trends and challenges that will shape supply chains in 2025. While also emphasising the need for supply chain diversification through collaboration, transparency, and a proactive approach to risk management.

The future is not just about surviving the next disruption; it’s about thriving in a dynamic environment that demands constant evolution.

The macro trends that are shaping supply chains

Global connectedness: Global connectedness reached a record high in 2022, and has remained at almost the same level, despite political and economic turbulence.

The predicted trend towards regionalisation, and away from globalisation, has not materialised, domestic trade retains its importance and far exceeds international trade. Despite the growth of domestic trade, globalisation continues to play a crucial role in shaping global economic strategies.

In light of this, Saudi Arabia has made no secret of its plan to attract significant international investment as part of its Vision 2030 goals. Its well-situated geographical location between three of the world’s largest continents provides a unique advantage when developing new trade routes.

Instability: The ongoing geopolitical crises in Ukraine, the Middle East and other territories continue to cause wide-reaching instability. Despite this, there is no split in evidence of trade becoming more concentrated within rival blocs of allied countries. The uncertainty stemming from factors like these all contribute to high inflation, interest rates and fuel prices.

Diversifying away from China: China will remain a major player in world trade, due to its large-scale production and labour capabilities.

Despite some companies intending to diversify their sourcing and production in the face of instability, the China-GCC Summit in 2022 strengthened political and economic alliances between the two regions. In addition to the energy sector, the non-oil trade grew eight hundred times by 2024 between the UAE and China.

Supply chain diversification: Companies are bringing their source materials and stock closer to their production points and sales markets. There is a move to spread sourcing and production beyond China to other markets in Asia Pacific, particularly Vietnam, India and Indonesia, and also to Latin America, particularly Mexico and Central America.

This trend of investing in multiple source points closer to the larger sales market helps industry customers to build more resilient, robust and flexible supply chains. Hence, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the top to benefit in the Middle East due to its location and connectivity with other continents.

First-time outsourcing: In 2025, the decision to outsource contract logistics is not merely a strategic option but a necessity for companies aiming to thrive in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape. Outsourcing allows businesses to leverage specialized expertise, enhance operational efficiency, and adapt swiftly to market fluctuations.

By partnering with experienced contract logistics providers, companies can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from advanced technologies and scalable solutions that drive innovation. In a time when consumer expectations are soaring and sustainability pressures are mounting, outsourcing logistics enables firms to remain agile, reduce costs, and improve service levels, ultimately securing a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Sustainability: The demand for sustainability across all industries is increasing, and it comes from multiple touchpoints – from the shareholders on one hand, to the end consumer on the other.

In Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 manifesto, the kingdom lays out its intention to rely less on oil and gas and more on renewable energy. Saudi Arabia has already started to entice investors with climate-friendly alternatives such as solar and wind.

The industry leaders must focus on accelerating sustainable growth which in turn provides a clear focus on key drivers of optimization. Building on our strong foundation of expertise, global reach and automation, we will continue to shape the future for our customers.

The writer is the CEO, DHL Supply Chain Europe Middle East and Africa.