Global Logistics 2026: Times of tension and transition

Summary

The article outlines how geopolitical tension, renewed tariff regimes and hybrid threats have shifted global logistics from episodic disruption to a persistent state of change. Key sectors and actors are responding by reshaping networks, investing in infrastructure, and deepening ties between commercial logistics providers and national defence planners.

Highlights include tariff-driven reshoring and capacity investments in the pharmaceutical sector, major port and terminal investment plans from South Korea, the expansion of private-sector defence logistics capabilities across Europe and the US, and new security-focused collaborations and technologies for protecting ports and supply corridors.

Key Points

Geopolitical friction, tariffs and hybrid threats have become a permanent factor shaping global supply chains.
Pharmaceuticals—especially high-value, temperature-controlled GLP-1 drugs—faced tariff pressure that spurred large US manufacturing investments and forced logistics redesigns for cold-chain, security and compliance.
South Korea announced a multi‑billion‑won push to expand domestic and overseas ports and terminals, including a $700m fund to secure terminal operating rights and plans to grow government-backed logistics bases from nine to 40 by 2030.
Defence logistics is expanding: major logistics providers are building capabilities for military support, governments are signing MOUs with private firms, and the EU and US are investing in military mobility and forward distribution hubs.
Port and infrastructure security is rising in priority — initiatives include drone detection, permanent airspace monitoring, shared security frameworks between ports, and digital platforms (eg. SVI-Connect) to link security and defence supply chains.

Context and relevance

This report is important because it shows logistics is now a strategic extension of geopolitical policy and national security. For supply‑chain managers, procurement teams and 3PLs, the implications are practical: rethink sourcing and network design, invest in temperature‑controlled and secure handling, factor in new regional hubs, and prepare for closer collaboration with defence and government stakeholders.

The trends tie into broader developments: rising defence spending, trade policy volatility, growing onshoring/nearshoring, and the need for resilient, dual‑use infrastructure — all of which affect capacity planning, costs and commercial opportunity in ports, warehousing and transport services.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you care about where goods move, who controls the hubs, and how tariffs or security risks will change costs and routes — this is worth ten minutes. It explains why pharma, ports and defence are remapping logistics networks and what that means for operators and shippers.

Author style

Punchy: the piece cuts straight to how geopolitics is rewriting logistics playbooks. If you run operations, procurement or port strategy, this isn’t background reading — it’s actionable intel.