Letter from the CEO: 2026 Trade & Supply Chain Strategy

2026 is shaping up to be a year where supply chain strategy and trade planning are more interconnected than ever.

As we enter the new year, I’ve been reflecting on several trends that will not just make headlines. They will influence how companies move goods, manage risk, and think about compliance.

Trade regulation is a big part of this. We have already seen how tariff adjustments, renegotiated agreements, and shifts in duty policy can affect landed cost assumptions and sourcing decisions long before changes are implemented. In 2026, that influence will continue to grow.

One of the key dynamics I am watching is how uncertainty itself becomes a factor in planning. Waiting for final rulings, exclusion lists, or enforcement timelines too often leaves teams reacting rather than planning. In my experience, the organizations that make the most progress are the ones that incorporate scenario-based trade planning into their broader supply chain strategy.

Another trend that stands out is cross functional alignment. Trade compliance can no longer be siloed. It is becoming a strategic capability that needs to be integrated with sourcing, operations, finance, and logistics. Teams that build this alignment early will be better positioned to absorb change while protecting cost and continuity.

Finally, I expect 2026 to be a year where visibility is not just about tracking goods. It is about understanding the rules under which those goods are moving. Regulatory shifts, customs focus areas, and compliance expectations will increasingly influence decisions alongside capacity and transit time.

My view is that these are not just trends. They are signals that trade strategy is central to strong supply chain design. The companies that embrace this mindset will not only manage risk more effectively, they will also find opportunity in change.