Frequent supply chain disruptions in 2026 make logistics resilience a key issue
In 2026, the logistics industry faces multiple pressures including trade policy volatility, capacity tightening, cargo theft, and geopolitical conflicts. At an online event hosted by Supply Chain Dive on July 15, experts such as Ranole Beng, Maersk's Head of Transpacific Market, and Donna Lemm, Chief Strategy Officer at IMC Logistics, pointed out that although global trade shows resilience, companies still need to cope with future shocks through diversified sourcing, flexible strategies, enhanced visibility, and strengthened partnerships.
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In 2026, fluctuating trade policies, tightening capacity, cargo theft, geopolitical conflicts, and market conditions continue to present a series of relentless challenges to logistics leaders, from shippers to carriers.
At the online event "Supply Chain Outlook: 2026 Trends and Risks," hosted by Supply Chain Dive on July 15, panel experts noted that these issues are the most closely watched topics in the transportation sector, and future developments—or even surprises—will inevitably require executives to remain agile and flexible.
"It is becoming increasingly difficult to accurately predict where the next disruption will come from," said Ranole Beng, Head of Transpacific Ocean Market at Maersk, during the event.
Nevertheless, Beng added that despite dramatic changes and unpredictability in recent years, global trade has shown remarkable resilience, indicating that supply chains can absorb shocks and events.
Regulations and disruptions put pressure on transportation services
Although COVID-19 disruptions were once seen as the peak of shortages, given subsequent developments—such as military attacks leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz andspiking fuel prices—shippers are reassessing that judgment, said Donna Lemm, Chief Strategy Officer at IMC Logistics.
"This is not just a ripple effect," Lemm said of the impact of diesel prices. "It is immediate."
She added that federal regulations are also tightening driver capacity, from English proficiency enforcement to changes in non-resident commercial driver's licenses.
Lemm noted that cargo theft, which frequently affects not only high-value goods but also everyday consumer items such as food and beverages, continues to pose a threat to the supply chain.
Trade routes show resilience
Although transpacific routes have shown resilience with year-over-year revenue flat so far in 2026, Beng believes that, given these ongoing changes, the third quarter could further intensify transportation capacity constraints. As supply chains approach the peak season for cargo arrivals in the U.S., challenges may emerge this quarter.
"During this peak season," Beng said, "we do see that customers generally want to replenish seasonal inventory ahead of the fourth quarter."
The shipping peak season typically runs from June to October, and Beng said Maersk has not yet seen a slowdown in activity.
Navigating the rest of 2026
Although logistics pressures may intensify further in the third quarter, companies can still adopt multiple strategies to respond.
According to Beng, diversifying sourcing strategies, maintaining flexibility, improving visibility, and strengthening supply chain partnerships are among the ways leaders can navigate future turbulence.
Resilience, he said, is not about completely eliminating risk, but about being prepared to respond to it.