India reinventing supply chains amid global disruptions

In the face of rising costs, disrupted trade routes, and evolving global policies, Indian businesses are reshaping their supply chains through strategic resilience, technology adoption, and market diversification.

- Libin Chackon Kurian

From tariff hikes and shipping delays to shifting trade routes and new policy frameworks, global supply chain disruptions are forcing Indian businesses to rethink their strategies. Rather than being passive victims of these challenges, companies are proactively adapting — leveraging multimodal logistics, exploring alternative markets, and embracing digitalisation to stay competitive.

The global supply chain has been rocked by multiple disruptions — from Red Sea shipping delays and rising U.S. tariffs to fluctuating freight rates and geopolitical instability. Indian businesses, deeply embedded in global trade, face rising costs, transit delays, and shifting market dynamics. However, rather than succumbing to these pressures, they are actively adapting through diversified logistics strategies, policy-driven resilience, and technology adoption.

Rising costs and delays

Global supply chain disruptions have created a complex and volatile environment for Indian businesses. With shipping delays mounting, tariff hikes eroding competitiveness, and capacity constraints driving up costs, companies are facing shrinking profit margins and growing uncertainty.

One of the most immediate challenges stems from the impact of US tariffs on Indian exports. Christian Roeloffs, Co-founder and CEO of Container xChange, warns of the economic strain these trade policies impose. "The increased tariffs would raise the cost of shipping goods to the US, India's largest export market. This could reduce the competitiveness of Indian products like jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, potentially shrinking demand," he said.

Container xChange is a digital marketplace for container trading and leasing.