Supply chain chiefs shift from cost to resilience, DP World survey finds
DP World survey of 103 supply chain officers finds 84% prioritize resilience over cost, with 71% planning supplier diversification and 86% seeing multimodal routes as advantage.
The story in focus
A DP World Global Trade Observatory survey of 103 chief supply chain officers across 14 markets found 84% say resilience and optionality have overtaken cost reduction as primary strategy drivers. 71% plan to diversify suppliers in 12 months, and 86% see alternative multimodal routes as a competitive advantage.
- 84% of CSCOs say resilience and optionality now outweigh cost reduction as primary supply-chain strategy drivers.
- 71% plan to diversify their supplier base over the next 12 months.
- 86% say access to alternative and multimodal trade routes is becoming a competitive advantage.
Survey findings
DP World's Global Trade Observatory published the CSCO Pulse Report on 5 October 2026, based on an August survey of 103 chief supply chain officers across 14 markets and nine industries. The report says 84% of respondents now rank resilience and optionality above cost reduction as the main drivers of supply-chain strategy.
It also found 71% plan to diversify their supplier base over the next 12 months. Respondents are considering changes across inventory, production locations and sourcing to preserve flexibility as trade rules, tariffs, demand and geopolitical conditions shift.
Network redesign
The report describes a move from optimisation to optionality: designing networks around viable alternatives rather than primarily cost and efficiency. It says 86% of CSCOs see access to alternative and multimodal trade routes as a competitive advantage, giving businesses more ability to adapt how goods move.
DP World Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan said businesses are responding to uncertainty by creating more choices about where they source, how they move goods and how they reach customers, rather than retreating from growth.
Leadership role
The survey found 93% of CSCOs say their role in driving business growth has become more central over the past three years. Supply-chain leaders are increasingly contributing to decisions on market entry, investment and risk, according to the report.
What share of supply chain officers plan to diversify suppliers?
71% of the 103 chief supply chain officers surveyed plan to diversify their supplier base over the next 12 months, according to DP World's CSCO Pulse Report.
Sources & further reading
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