Chinese supply chain leaders are increasing supplier diversification, investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding into new markets as they respond to a changing global trade environment, according to new research from DP World’s Global Trade Observatory.
Chinese companies are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, digital transformation and market diversification as they prepare for future growth, according to new research from DP World’s Global Trade Observatory.
The international survey, which gathered responses from 292 supply chain and logistics executives in China, found businesses are looking beyond cost and scale to strengthen sourcing strategies, improve operational flexibility and access new markets amid continued uncertainty in global trade.
Increasing the number of suppliers to diversify sourcing emerged as the most common strategic priority for 2026, cited by 58 per cent of respondents.
The survey also found that 38 per cent of businesses plan to increase near-shoring operations, while 36 per cent intend to adopt friend-shoring strategies. A further 32 per cent said they plan to increase inventory levels.
According to the findings, companies are building more resilient supply chains by expanding supplier networks, increasing route options and creating greater flexibility to respond to changing trade conditions, costs and customer demand.
The research suggests that these strategic changes are being driven by more than risk mitigation alone.
Respondents identified sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, new technologies, greater operational agility and resilience, local trade policies and incentives, tariff responses and new market entry as the principal factors influencing supply chain decisions.
The findings indicate that resilience is increasingly being viewed as a long-term competitive capability rather than solely a response to market disruption.
Technology investment emerged as the leading driver of future business growth.
Half of respondents identified deploying artificial intelligence (AI) as a top priority over the next one to three years, while 44 per cent highlighted wider digitalisation initiatives.
Growing demand from new markets and consumers was cited by 43 per cent of respondents, while 34 per cent identified new value chains as a key growth opportunity.
According to the report, these priorities reflect a growing focus on digital capabilities to improve operational efficiency and support future supply chain development.
Glen Hilton, Chief Executive Officer 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.”
The report notes that DP World has seen these trends reflected in its work with customers in China across sectors including e-commerce, automotive, fashion and luxury, food and beverage, healthcare and technology.
According to the company, its operations in China combine freight forwarding, contract logistics, warehousing, customs and documentation support, ports and terminals, and technology-enabled supply chain visibility to help customers improve operational control and execute cross-border trade more efficiently.
