Understanding Global Supply Chains in a Changing World
Why the World Feels More Unstable
Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Slowdown
Countries are facing more conflicts and regional wars than before. At the same time, some nations are turning inward with policies that favor their own interests over global cooperation. This shift is shaking the international order and making trade routes less predictable.
Risks Highlighted by Experts
According to the World Economic Forum, the biggest threats right now are armed conflicts between states, economic showdowns, and extreme weather events. These challenges are slowing down the world’s economy—growth is expected to drop from 3.4 % in 2025 to 2.8 % in 2026, as reported by the OECD.
The Power of Working Together
Openness Over Isolation
When the global environment gets rough, the best response is to join forces rather than pull apart. Countries need to share ideas, keep markets open, and build supply chains that are strong, fair, and beneficial for everyone.
China’s Role in Global Supply Chains
China has long been a key player in the networks that move goods from factories to consumers. It continues to support the idea that these chains should serve the public good and is taking concrete steps to make them safer, faster, and more inclusive.
Promoting Openness and Cooperation
China International Supply Chain Expo
Launched in 2023, this expo is the first national event focused entirely on supply chains. It brings together businesses of all sizes, universities, research institutes, and end‑users—both Chinese and foreign—to spark collaboration.
Growth of the Expo
By the fourth edition, the number of participating organizations rose from 515 to 676. More countries were represented, the share of foreign exhibitors grew, and international delegations increased significantly. These trends show the expo’s expanding influence as a global platform for supply‑chain partnership.
Boosting Core Competitiveness
Tech Leadership and Green Manufacturing
China is using its strengths in next‑generation information technology, renewable energy, and eco‑friendly production to become a hub for scientific innovation. By working with other nations on industrial projects, it helps raise the quality and efficiency of worldwide supply chains.
Digital Economy Contributions
By the end of 2025, China’s digital‑economy sectors accounted for over 10.5 % of its GDP. Advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and related fields are now among the world’s best, providing steady momentum for global economic growth.
Measuring Progress: Supply Chain Resilience Index
What the Numbers Show
The Global Supply Chain Resilience Index Matrix, unveiled at the fourth expo, tracks four key areas: enablement, connectivity, innovation, and resilience. Between 2018 and 2025, each index rose from a baseline of 1 to the following values:
– Enablement: 2.839 (average yearly growth % increase per year)
– Connectivity: 1.657 (average 7.5 % per year)
– Innovation: 2.565 (average 14.4 % per year)
– Resilience: 1.249 (average 3.2 % per year)
These upward trends indicate that supply chains are becoming more stable, efficient, and dynamic despite ongoing challenges.
Looking Ahead: Staying Connected for a Better Future
Call for Collective Action
The message is clear: openness and collaboration remain the winning strategy. Nations should stand together, keep supply chains linked, and deepen practical cooperation. By doing so, the world can protect the flow of goods, support economic recovery, and build a more resilient future for everyone.
