Global value chains have entered a phase of structural volatility, with disruption becoming a permanent feature rather than a temporary shock, according to a new report by the World Economic Forum.

Driven by geopolitical fragmentation, rapid technological change and the energy transition, the shift is forcing companies and governments to rethink how goods are produced and moved.

The report finds 74% of global executives now prioritise resilience as a growth driver, not just a defensive strategy.

In 2025 alone, tariff actions reshaped over $400 billion in trade flows, while shipping costs jumped 40%. The WEF notes that efficiency-led supply chains are giving way to flexible, adaptive networks, supported by new tools such as the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Readiness Navigator to guide investment and policy decisions.