86% of Supply Chain Leaders Hit by Tariffs, Inflation Drives Divergent Strategies

Event summary

  • 86% of supply chain leaders report tariffs and economic pressures impacting operations in 2026.
  • 51% of companies raised consumer prices to offset higher costs, up from 31% in 2025.
  • 28% are increasing inventory while 27% are returning to leaner models to manage risk.
  • 34% cite inflation and rising input costs as the single greatest pressure on supply chains.
  • 59% are strengthening logistics partnerships to build resilience.

The big picture

The RELEX report highlights how persistent inflation and geopolitical disruptions are forcing supply chain leaders to make tough trade-offs between pricing, sourcing, and inventory strategies. The divergence in approaches—some building stock while others lean out—reflects a broader industry shift towards resilience over stability. With 77% of leaders expressing cautious optimism, the focus is on adaptive strategies to navigate ongoing uncertainty.

What we're watching

Pricing Strategy
How sustained margin pressure will affect consumer behavior and competitive positioning.
Inventory Optimization
Whether companies prioritizing lean inventories can avoid out-of-stock risks amid volatility.
AI Adoption
The pace at which AI-led scenario planning and dynamic allocation become standard tools.