According to a survey published by SupplyChainBrain in 2026, more than 76% of global supply chain leaders expect higher levels of disruption this year and plan to significantly increase their investments in artificial intelligence and predictive technologies to enhance the resilience of their supply chains.
The survey, conducted among 3,650 C-suite leaders and 3,350 supply chain managers worldwide, reveals that AI is now considered a core strategic tool. The most frequent use cases include demand forecasting, inventory optimization, supplier risk detection, and dynamic logistics route planning.
According to Gitnux (February 2026), the AI market in supply chains is experiencing rapid growth, with documented improvements in cost reduction, forecast accuracy, and operational efficiency. Companies that have integrated AI into their logistics report operational cost reductions of 15% to 35%.
Recent disruptions — geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts (US tariffs from 2025), Red Sea maritime trade attacks — have underscored the persistent fragility of global supply chains and accelerated the adoption of predictive technologies.
The ports of Rotterdam, Singapore, and Shanghai have invested heavily in automation and AI for container sorting, berth optimization, and processing time prediction. These 'smart ports' help reduce unloading times and minimize congestion.
For SMEs, access to AI-powered logistics management tools is becoming more widespread through SaaS platforms and cloud solutions. Companies like Flexport, Project44, and FourKites offer real-time visibility tools accessible to businesses of all sizes.
