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Global freight forwarders are evolving into wider supply chain strategists amid disruptions in global trade flow due largely to geopolitical tensions
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The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, in its 2026 FIATA Market Report, highlight the importance of infrastructure, technology, regulatory efficiency and connectivity to that evolving role
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The report provides insights on where investment and development are needed to support logistics sector growth
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The report is based on FIATA’s annual Global Perceptions Survey, with responses from 111 professionals across 46 territories and the four FIATA Regions
Geopolitical disorder, with the most prominent impact recently demonstrated in the Strait of Hormuz disruption, has been reshaping global trade routes and as a consequence, the role of freight forwarders has also been evolving into more strategic functions.
In its 2026 Market Report, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) highlight the vulnerability of critical trade routes and the need for supply chains to have viable alternatives. For freight forwarders, this means not just arranging transportation but coordinating alternative routes, transport modes, gateways and supply chain partners to keep goods moving when established lanes are disrupted.
“The 2026 FIATA Market Report provides a valuable picture of the factors shaping the freight forwarding and logistics industry across different regions. The findings highlight the importance of infrastructure, technology, regulatory efficiency and connectivity, while also showing how the priorities of the industry vary across FIATA’s Regions,” Prof. Dr. Thomas Sim, FIATA president, said in a statement.
“These insights provide a useful basis for understanding where investment and development are needed to support the continued growth of the logistics sector,” Sim said.
The 2026 FIATA Market Report draws from the organization’s annual Global Perceptions Survey involving freight forwarders and logistics professionals. It is designed to capture industry perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and trends shaping global logistics. This year’s Market Report is based on responses from 111 professionals across 46 territories and the four FIATA Regions, namely: Africa and the Middle East (RAME), the Americas (RAMS), Asia-Pacific (RAP) and Europe (REU).
Respondents pointed to geopolitical tensions as among the most significant factors expected to influence the industry in the years ahead, while digitalization continues to reshape how supply chains are planned, managed and connected.
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Across all four regions, freight forwarders underscored the growing importance of resilience, connectivity, regulatory efficiency and data-driven operations. As supply chains face increasing disruption risks, freight forwarders are seeking to develop alternative routes, strengthen regional and interregional connections, and improve operational visibility across transport modes and borders.
Connectivity is key, both digital & physical
“The findings of the 2026 FIATA Market Report show that the challenges facing logistics are increasingly interconnected. Geopolitical uncertainty, digitalisation, infrastructure, regulatory complexity and changing trade flows are all shaping the environment in which freight forwarders operate,” said Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA director general.
“The message from our global membership is clear: resilience requires more than additional capacity. It requires connected infrastructure, interoperable digital systems, effective regulation and stronger cooperation across the supply chain,” Graber added.
The survey results also reveal a persistent gap between the recognized importance of the freight forwarding sector and the level of support available to it.
“Infrastructure, investment conditions, regulations, customs procedures and administrative complexity continue to be significant concerns, highlighting the need for both physical infrastructure development and more efficient regulatory frameworks,” the report notes.
And as digitalization and technology, including artificial intelligence, drive competitiveness, policy frameworks need to keep up with the innovations.
The 2026 FIATA Market Report was released during the 2026 FIATA World Congress in Milan on October 6-9, 2026, which was also a celebration of FIATA’s 100th anniversary.
At the event, the organization called for “stronger, more connected and adaptable supply chains, with freight forwarders playing a central role in helping businesses navigate an increasingly uncertain trading environment.”
Moving forward, freight forwarders see geopolitical tensions and digitalization among the most influential forces that shape logistics.
The report said geopolitical developments are seen to have a particularly strong impact in Europe and Asia-Pacific, while e-commerce remains a major driver of change in the Americas and Africa and the Middle East.
“As FIATA enters its second century, the survey highlights the importance of continued cooperation between industry, governments and international organisations in building a logistics sector that is more efficient, resilient, interconnected and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” the FIATA report said.
