News Daily

The Times

News from Asia

  • Written by Media Outreach
-
  • Data from DP World's Global Trade Observatory shows 58% of Chinese supply-chain executives plan to increase suppliers and diversify sourcing in 2026
  • Growth priorities are led by technology and market access, with respondents citing deploying AI (50%), digitalisation (44%), growing demand from new markets and consumers (43%) and new value chains (34%)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2026 - Despite recent disruption and uncertainty across global trade, Chinese companies are focused on long-term growth strategies centred on supply chain resilience, AI adoption and access to new markets, according to DP World's Global Trade Observatory.

The international survey, which included 292 supply chain and logistics executives in China, shows companies looking beyond cost and scale alone as they adapt to a changing trade environment, with a clear focus on sourcing diversification, digital capability, new markets and practical trade facilitation.

When asked about strategic changes planned for 2026, the most popular option was increasing suppliers to diversify sourcing (58%), followed by near-shoring operations (38%), friend-shoring operations (36%), and increasing inventories (32%).

Businesses in China are using logistics networks to build a more layered approach to resilience: more suppliers, more route options, more regional flexibility and more ability to shift as rules, costs and demand change.

However, the drivers behind the strategic changes were not purely defensive. Across the strategic changes identified by Chinese supply-chain executives, the strongest drivers included sustainability and ESG requirements, new technology enabling operational change, greater agility and resilience, local market trade policies and incentives, response to tariffs, and new market entry.

Glen Hilton, CEO and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, DP World, said:

"China's next trade advantage will come from resilience and adaptability, not just scale. Chinese companies are already diversifying suppliers, entering new corridors and investing in digital systems and AI. But that ambition creates most value when companies can see their cargo, switch between routes, clear borders, manage documentation and fulfil reliably across markets. What customers increasingly need is not a disconnected set of providers. They need an operating partner that can connect the physical and digital layers of trade – ports, terminals, freight forwarding, customs, warehousing, systems and last-mile execution. DP World is built to help make that complexity work at an international level, so businesses can keep moving even as routes, rules and demand change."

Technology emerged as the leading growth priority. When asked about the top drivers of growth for their business over the coming one to three years, 50% of respondents identified deploying AI, 44% cited wider digitalisation, 43% cited growing demand from new markets and consumers, and 34% cited new value chains.

This emphasis on AI and digitalisation also aligns closely with the direction set out at China's "Two Sessions", where New Quality Productive Forces, including AI and advanced technologies, were positioned as central to the country's next phase of economic development.

DP World, which provides end-to-end supply chain solutions and handles around 10% of global containerised trade, has seen these themes reflected in its work supporting customers in China across sectors including e-commerce, automotive, fashion and luxury, food and beverage, healthcare and technology.

Its capability in China combines global network reach with local operating expertise across freight forwarding, contract logistics, warehousing, customs and documentation support, ports and terminals, and technology-enabled supply-chain visibility. This is designed to help customers reduce hand-offs, improve control, and execute more reliably across borders.

Notes to Editors

The Global Trade Observatory survey was conducted in November 2025 and included 292 supply chain and logistics executives in China. Percentages are rounded and multi-select questions add to more than 100%.

A dedicated China Country Report with additional local insights is also available here

Hashtag: #DPWORLD

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Read more

Split Corrugated Conduit for Flexible Cable Protection

For wiring assemblies in vehicles, machinery and equipment, choosing suitable cable protection helps keep cables organised and reduces direct contact with surrounding parts. Mojak Plastics supplies plastic tubing and conduit options for different installation needs, and split corrugated conduit can... Read more

Trailers Melbourne Buyers Can Compare: When Box Trailers Make Sense

For many homeowners, businesses and tradespeople, trailers Melbourne customers use every week need to be versatile enough for changing loads. A box trailer can be particularly useful because its enclosed sides help contain cargo while providing a straightforward loading area... Read more

Bottle Label Printing That Balances Design and Readability

Product labels need to attract attention while making information easy to find and understand. On a bottle, the available space may be limited by the container’s shape, so every design decision matters. Bottle label printing should account for visual hierarchy... Read more

Office Cleaning Melbourne: Planning a Consistent Workplace Routine

Businesses looking for office cleaning Melbourne need a plan that reflects the way their workplace operates. A clean office supports day-to-day organisation, helps shared spaces remain presentable and gives employees and visitors a more orderly environment. Eco Green Cleaning Management... Read more

Pinboard Solutions for Offices, Schools and Shared Information Spaces

Why a Pinboard Remains Useful A pinboard provides a simple way to display information that needs to remain visible without being rewritten. Lawdex supplies fabric and cork options for offices, schools, staff areas and other environments. A pinboard can be used... Read more

Retractable Hose Reel: A Practical Guide To Choosing The Right Hose Storage

A retractable hose reel can make hose storage more organised, accessible and practical in workshops, commercial facilities, service areas and other working environments. Instead of leaving a hose coiled across the floor or requiring staff to manually wind it after... Read more