Adapting supply chains in an era of global disruption

Global supply chain strategies have undergone a marked shift in the past five years, reflecting a period defined by continuous disruption.

The Covid-19 pandemic was the catalyst, triggering factory shutdowns, port congestion, labour shortages and sudden shifts in consumer demand. It also exposed vulnerabilities in just-in-time models and over-reliance on single-source suppliers.

In the years that followed, successive crises – from the 2021 Suez Canal blockage to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, attacks on Red Sea vessels and extreme weather events – have strained global supply networks.

This has prompted a strategic pivot. Resilience has overtaken efficiency as the top priority for supply chain leaders – which has significant implications for corporate and real estate decision-making.

Read More: Adapting supply chains in an era of global disruption | Savills Impacts