DP World’s new Global Trade Observatory Annual Outlook Report 2026 makes it very clear that there is still much to be done. It combines a survey of more than 3,500 senior supply chain and logistics executives across the world with an analysis of today’s fast-moving trade environment. It also reflects how companies are responding to change.
The results displayed are strikingly positive, even against a backdrop of shifting trade policies, geopolitics, and route disruption.
Trade Optimism in a Volatile Ambience
Overall, 54% of executives expect trade growth this year to be quicker than last year, while 40% expect it to remain unchanged. This is despite more than half (53%) anticipating high or very high policy uncertainty in 2026.
What stands out alongside this outlook is the level of ambition reflected. When asked to name their top three strategic changes intended during 2026, supplier diversification was the leading response, chosen by 51%.
When examined further, where executives were asked why they were diversifying supply chains, the data became even more illuminating. The most popular answer, at 16%, was new market entry. This was followed by new technology enabling change (15%), and closely by the pursuit of agility or resilience (14%). It is evident that there is a clear willingness to embrace change in pursuit of strategic advantage.
This ambitious pursuit of growth was also evident elsewhere. When supply chain executives were asked to select the top three drivers of growth for their businesses over the coming one to three years, the most popular answer was new markets and consumers (46%). This was followed closely by deploying AI (43%), while improving infrastructure and transport capacity followed at 42%.
Logistics Shaping Growth Strategies
When consolidated for analysis, these findings reflect how logistics are viewed today. It is no longer a support function but a strategic enabler of growth. It is also powered by technology and is increasingly central to competitive performance.
Across markets and sectors, this shift reflects how supply chains are being redesigned, invested in, and governed.
This raises an important question: executives have ambition, and technology is empowering firms. What, then, is needed to turn that intent into sustained business growth?
Warehousing as a Strategic Priority
A single clear answer emerged when logistics executives were asked to name the top three infrastructure investments required to support trade and logistics in their markets. “Warehousing and logistics hubs” was the top choice, selected by 39% of respondents.
This reflects the evolution of warehousing. Decisions on location and capacity today are deeply strategic, shaping the entire distribution network—especially in a world influenced by just-in-time logistics and complex supply chains. Warehousing has now become a strategic asset. It helps determine speed, resilience, and access to markets.
The range of warehousing also reflects a similar shift. This begins with secure facilities needed for high-value servers powering the data centre boom and extends to strategically important cold storage facilities. Cold storage, frequently associated with agricultural exports and food security, also plays a major role in high-value industries, including pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals.
Developing Trade Capacity in Practice
In India, DP World provides temperature-controlled warehousing to hundreds of businesses. It supports product segments ranging from fruits to temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, underpinning vital and fast-growing export industries.
In addition, logistics parks also explain the prominence of this finding, especially when developed alongside ports or as part of special economic zones (SEZs). These can transform regional connectivity, help establish trade hubs, attract investment, and drive exports.
In October 2025, DP World launched the Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt. It is located close to the port of the same name, which DP World also operates. Situated south of the Suez Canal, it is strategically positioned and includes bonded zones and other facilities. These strengthen Egypt’s role in global trade and help drive its exports.
