Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP Worl

• A report commissioned by DP World, produced in partnership by Economist Impact, finds that supply shortages will increase inflationary pressure in 2022
• Group Chairman and CEO of DP World says supply chain bottlenecks will not clear until 2023
• 29% of companies that export are concerned about the risk of rising inflation due to supply chain disruption
• 30% of companies expect increasing transport costs to limit export-led growth in 2022, contributing to higher inflation
• Just-in-time shipping is dying with over a quarter of companies now holding onto stock for three months

New research reveals that supply chain issues are exacerbating inflation. The study commissioned by DP World, the leading provider of smart logistics solutions, found that during 2022 trade is expected to expand further, due to a 16% increase in exports during 2021 and imports by 12%. Production levels have been unable to keep pace with demand leading to supply shortages and will limit import growth in 2022.

Commenting on the report’s findings, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “The report is evidence that rising freight rates, and low production levels, coupled with a volatile social-economic situation in Europe, will keep inflation high in 2022 as companies navigate a risky trading environment. But supply chains are adapting, and executives are positive about the future of trade, which will prove durable in the near to medium-term despite any inflationary fears.”

The survey of 3,000 respondents, produced in partnership with Economist Impact captured perspectives of company leaders across the world. In addition to rising inflation, geopolitical tensions between the US and China continue to concern executives with 30% claiming that ongoing trade war between the US and China is the top reason to be pessimistic about global trade.

Despite the apprehension, and low production levels limiting imports, international revenue expanded for 68% of companies exporting freight in 2021, compared with 42% in 2020. 35% attributed that growth to an expansion of exports into new markets, as companies took advantage of new trade routes created by the pandemic.

To cope with the pandemic and ease inflationary pressures, companies are also changing their strategic outlook. 48% now said diversifying their supplier base is their primary reconfiguration strategy, with efforts focussed on sourcing raw materials (24%) and managing shipping lines and logistics (21%). The highest cited reason for optimism for global trade was the growth of technology to ease supply chain issues, particularly the adoption of 5G to increase connectivity.

Digitalisation can also streamline operations and increase efficiencies in trade. 67% of companies in the industrial sector are already using digital platforms for supply chain management. Businesses now have greater flexibility to move cargo faster, track progress in real time and automate customs clearance processes, helping address non-tariff trade barriers.