- Global supply chains remain under significant strain as manufacturers front-load purchasing to guard against anticipated higher prices in the second-half of 2026
- Safety stockpiling, shortages and transportation costs have all been elevated for three straight months, a rare signal outside the 2021-23 supply chain crisis
- North America supply chain pressures rise to their highest level since August 2022; Asia remains under the greatest strain globally
CLARK, N.J., June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index, based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses, signaled continued pressure on global supply chains in May as manufacturers increased purchases and built safety stocks to protect against rising inflation.
Reports of safety stockpiling rose to their highest level since January 2023, as companies bulk ordered goods and raw materials ahead of expected price increases and potential supply disruption. This front-loaded purchasing pushed global demand for inputs to its strongest since March 2022.
