World Supply ChainCenter

RESEARCH & INTELLIGENCE

Evidence before assumptions.

A small, curated research desk. Read the finding, its planning relevance and its limits together.

TRADE & TRANSPORT / 24 September 2025

The maritime backbone of global trade

UNCTAD reports that around 80% of international goods trade by volume travels by sea.

Planning interpretation

For planning, distinguish cargo volume from cargo value. A dominant global mode does not establish the best mode for an individual shipment.

Scope & limitations

This is a global structural measure, not a live freight indicator or a trade-value share.

Primary source: UNCTAD · Review of Maritime Transport

LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE / 2025 edition; publication record 22 April 2026

Measure the journey, not just the destination

The World Bank’s LPI 2.0 uses operational shipment data for 2023–2024, replacing the earlier survey-based approach.

Planning interpretation

Use the relevant speed or connectivity indicator when investigating a country or mode. A single score can conceal different operational constraints.

Scope & limitations

Historical observations are not live service levels. The new series has no single overall country ranking and is not directly interchangeable with earlier survey rankings.

Primary source: World Bank · Logistics Performance Indicators 2.0

RESILIENCE & NETWORKS / 5 October 2026

Build options into the network

In a DP World survey, 84% of 103 chief supply chain officers prioritised resilience and optionality over cost reduction.

Planning interpretation

Map a credible alternative supplier, route or inventory response before a disruption occurs. Compare the extra inventory requirement with the operational benefit.

Scope & limitations

Company-sponsored survey conducted in August across 14 markets and nine industries. It is not a census of all supply-chain leaders.

Primary source: DP World · CSCO Pulse Report announcement

How we use evidence

Source facts are distinguished from our planning interpretations. References were reviewed on 11 November 2026. Dates are publication dates or edition labels as stated. Data are not updated automatically. We do not provide live freight prices, vessel tracking or forecasts.

The World Bank publication record for the LPI report is available here. Links leave this independent website.

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