NEW YORK — Major manufacturers and retailers have increased inventory stockpiles in recent months as companies seek to reduce the impact of shipping disruptions, higher transportation costs and uncertainty across key global trade routes, according to supply chain surveys and industry data released in June.
Businesses in North America, Europe and Asia have accelerated purchases of goods and raw materials and expanded safety inventories to guard against potential shortages and delivery delays, according to the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index. The consulting firm said reports of safety stockpiling reached their highest level in more than three years in May.
“Safety stockpiling rose to its highest level since January 2023,” GEP said in a June report based on a survey of about 27,000 businesses worldwide. The firm said manufacturers were building inventories to protect against anticipated price increases and supply disruptions later in the year.
The buildup comes as global logistics networks continue to face pressure from geopolitical tensions, rerouted shipping traffic and seasonal demand. Industry analysts at S&P Global said disruptions affecting major maritime routes have increased congestion at alternative trade corridors, including the Panama Canal and the Strait of Malacca, creating broader supply chain risks beyond a single chokepoint.
Shipping markets have also tightened as importers moved cargo earlier than usual ahead of expected surcharges and potential delays. Logistics providers reported stronger vessel utilization and reduced capacity availability on several major trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes during June.
The inventory strategy reflects lessons learned during previous supply chain disruptions, when shortages of components and consumer goods affected production schedules and retail inventories. Industry executives have increasingly emphasized maintaining larger buffer stocks rather than relying solely on just-in-time delivery systems, according to supply chain analysts.
At the same time, some shipping and logistics groups have cautioned that higher inventories can increase storage and financing costs. Analysts at S&P Global Ratings said recent demand surges and front-loading of shipments have supported freight markets temporarily, but broader shipping capacity is expected to remain ample over the longer term.
Additional pressure on supply chains has come from disruptions affecting energy and cargo movements through strategic maritime routes. Industry estimates released this week indicated that more than a thousand cargo vessels had been affected by earlier disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting many companies to reassess inventory planning and transportation strategies.
As of Thursday, supply chain surveys continued to show elevated stockpiling activity, while transportation providers reported ongoing efforts by manufacturers and retailers to secure inventory buffers ahead of the second half of 2026.
