AI is shaping logistics worldwide, supply chains are being restructured

According to the Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026, logistics executives are bracing for a year of volatility in trade, geopolitics and the global economy and are managing uncertainty by turning to AI, reviewing costs and reconfiguring their supply chains. According to the latest Agility Survey, 98 percent of companies surveyed are using AI to manage parts of their supply chains or operational processes. The study makes it clear that the ongoing shifts in production and procurement since COVID-19 are gaining further momentum due to geopolitical tensions and new tariffs.

"No comfort zone and no time to rest"

"Leaders in business and government know that there is no comfort zone and no time to rest. They are looking for sustainable growth paths in a time of extraordinary uncertainty," says Tarek Sultan, Chairman of Agility. "They see AI as both a contributor to volatility and a tool to manage it. They are facing new barriers to trade in real time. They are driving the energy transition and navigating conflicts between economic partners."

Gulf states invest heavily in AI, energy transition and talent

The index is the 17th annual survey of industry sentiment and evaluates 50 leading emerging markets based on logistics expertise, business climate and digital maturity. One focus of the 2026 Index is on the Arab Gulf states, which are positioning themselves as global logistics and transit hubs and investing heavily in AI, energy transition and talent. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is described as a "thriving" trade hub. "Volatility will not curb the ambition of the Gulf states," says the index.

In the overall ranking, China, India and the United Arab Emirates lead ahead of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. The Gulf states are all among the countries with the best business conditions, while China, Malaysia, India, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are ahead in terms of digitalization. China, India, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia lead in international logistics, while China, India, Indonesia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia lead in domestic logistics.

Highlights of the Index 2026

Supply chains: The diversification and reconfiguration of global companies' supply chains is unstoppable. 97 percent of executives surveyed said their companies have or will soon shift some production and sourcing.
Risks: Companies see tariffs and trade protectionism as the risk for which they are least prepared. The main tools they use to manage trade turbulence: Supplier diversification, freight consolidation and strategic warehousing.
Sustainability: A significant percentage of 48% say their companies are taking a pause or slowing down on sustainability. The most commonly cited reasons: Cost reductions, changing business priorities and difficulty proving return on investment.

John Manners-Bell, Managing Director of Transport Intelligence, emphasizes: "One term that came up repeatedly in our research was 'structural uncertainty' - caused by geopolitical fragmentation, trade policy volatility and uneven economic dynamics. The index confirms that supply chain companies are not retreating in the face of this uncertainty, but are instead developing solutions to manage it."

The Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2026 is available at agility.com/2026index.