Corporates Prioritize Liquidity as Supply Chain Disruptions Persist
Event summary
- Citi's Global Supply Chain Pressure Index remains at its highest sustained level since 2021-2022 due to Middle East conflict and elevated oil prices.
- 72% of global corporates identify releasing trapped liquidity as their top strategic priority for the next 12 months, up from 66% at the start of 2026.
- Global trade payment flows rose 40% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with technology payments growing 50% year-on-year.
- China's vehicle and parts exports to Africa have nearly doubled their share from 8% in 2022 to above 15% by mid-2026.
- Nearly half of corporates are evaluating DLT and blockchain solutions for working capital management.
The big picture
Citi's report highlights a strategic shift in corporate priorities from supply chain diversification to liquidity management amid persistent disruptions. Global trade continues to grow, but through different markets and corridors, reflecting a reorientation driven by cost pressures and tariff exposure. The findings suggest that treasury priorities will increasingly shape supply chain decision-making, with companies focusing on cash flow and resilience.
What we're watching
- Liquidity Extraction
- How corporates will adapt their treasury strategies to release trapped liquidity in supply chains.
- Trade Route Shifts
- The pace at which trade routes continue to shift away from traditional corridors.
- Digital Tools Adoption
- Whether the adoption of DLT and blockchain solutions will accelerate working capital efficiency.
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