Supply chain disruptions are no longer rare — they’re the new normal
From pandemics to geopolitical conflict, businesses of all sizes face growing risks that threaten operations, revenue, and long-term resilience. As insurance markets tighten and tail risks become harder to predict, traditional risk strategies are under pressure.
Our latest report explores how organizations are rethinking supply chain risk—leveraging advanced modeling, strategic insurance solutions, and proactive planning to navigate today’s volatile global environment.
Key findings: How businesses are rethinking supply chain risk in 2025
The 2025 WTW Global Supply Chain Risk Survey reveals a decisive shift in how businesses approach supply chain risk—placing greater emphasis on geopolitical uncertainty, cybersecurity, supplier challenges, and internal risk frameworks.
Since the 2023 survey, companies have advanced their strategies by prioritizing proactive measures, enhancing cross-functional collaboration, and deploying technology tools such as supply chain mapping. Cybersecurity, in particular, has emerged as a central pillar of enterprise risk management, with growing focus on securing supplier relationships and contracts.
Despite this progress, fewer than 8% of businesses believe they have full control over their supply chain risks, and 63% report higher-than-expected losses—evidence of the ongoing unpredictability and complexity of the global supply chain.
Top rising risks
- Geopolitical risk is now the top concern for 19% of businesses, reflecting the impact of global instability, trade tensions, and regulatory uncertainty.
- Inflation follows closely at 18%, driven by rising procurement and transport costs.
- Cybersecurity risk has surged from 5% in 2023 to 16% in 2025, echoing broader trends seen in WTW’s Emerging Risks Survey.
- Raw material shortages and regulatory changes have each doubled in significance, both now cited by 14% of respondents.
Meanwhile, pandemic and health risks have declined in priority (from 23% in 2023 to 13% in 2025), suggesting a shift in focus toward geopolitical and economic challenges. Environmental risks remain important but have seen a slight dip in urgency.
Key opportunities & strategic shifts
- Digital transformation and data availability are rising priorities, with digital tools becoming central to future supply chain strategies.
- Supplier and customer collaboration remains vital for resilience.
- The emphasis on hybrid work models is declining as businesses adapt to post-pandemic norms.
- Incremental strategy adjustments are favored over full overhauls, though many firms are still pursuing significant change.
