How to build resilient and agile supply chains
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How to build resilient and agile supply chains
4 May 2026
In light of growing geopolitical tensions and increasingly complex supply chains, companies are reassessing their international expansion strategies. Our latest report, “Strengthening supply chains: Growing Global”, offers key insights into how businesses are realigning their supply chains to cope with disruptions, regulatory pressure and global uncertainties.
International expansion under the strain of increasing complexity
Based on insights from our 2026 C-Suite Barometer and the expertise of specialists from various regions and sectors, the report outlines how companies align operational priorities, regulatory compliance and quickly evolving technologies when entering new markets and regions. Although the main challenges of international growth – including compliance, taxation, technology and a significant increase in the complexity of the value chain – might seem manageable in themselves, they are closely intertwined. If necessary steps are taken at the wrong time or not taken at all, these factors can make the situation considerably more complicated and increase the risks.
66%
of business leaders state that their top investment priority in the supply chain relates to international growth or market diversification.
48%
of businesses cite stricter transparency and reporting requirements as the measure with the most positive effect on value chains.
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“What I see happening now is supply chains increasing the number of sources in each region so they can handle country risk and individual supplier risk much better. If you have just one supplier, in one region, for an important automotive component, production will collapse if they get knocked out.”
- Christian Back, Partner, Head of Automotive, Forvis Mazars Group |
The report highlights how companies can successfully restructure their supply chains to boost their international expansion. We examine proven practical approaches, potential problems, and the areas that, based on experience, require ongoing monitoring by management.
Key findings at a glance
| Cost is being replaced by resilience as the guiding principle of supply chains. International expansion is putting cost-optimised models to the test and placing resilience at the heart of operational decision-making processes. |
| Operational implementation is more important than structuring. The performance of value chains is determined less by reorganisation than by the day-to-day management of procurement, inventory and site structures. |
| Compliance is increasingly becoming an integral part of everyday supply chain management. As companies expand internationally, regulation is evolving from a separate control measure into an inseparable part of routine operational processes. |
| Sustainability regulations are raising the bar when it comes to transparency. Increasingly comprehensive regulations are leading to stricter scrutiny of suppliers and and upstream risk. |
| Technology is crucial for transparency and control across the entire scale. Limited visibility beyond tier one suppliers makes it difficult to effectively implement and scale integrated data and digital solutions. |
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“Procurement departments are changing rapidly because they need to assess geopolitical and sustainability risks in the deeper supply chain from a board perspective, it is crucial to give strategic orientation to procurement. They can exert a powerful influence on sustainability performance.”
- Carolin Friedrich, Partnerin, Head of Sustainability, Forvis Mazars Group |
Explore our C-Suite insights
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Growing Global
Viele Unternehmen wollen ihre Geschäftsaktivitäten ausbauen und neue Märkte im Ausland erschließen – auch in wirtschaftlich schwierigen Zeiten. In unserer Reihe „Growing Global“ untersuchen wir, wie Firmen die zahlreichen Herausforderungen, die sich ihnen bei einer globalen Expansion stellen, erfolgreich erkennen, verstehen und überwinden können.
Global trade insights tracker
Stay informed on global trade, tariffs and economic developments with the Forvis Mazars global trade insights tracker (GTI tracker). Designed for senior business leaders, it delivers strategic insight into trade policy and market risks.
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Our experts
Christian Back Partner - Frankfurt on the Main
Carolin Friedrich Partner - Berlin
Nigel Layton Partner - Head of Pharma & Life Sciences - London
Isabelle Massa Partner - Paris
Philippe Bozier Partner - Paris
Laurent Caporossi Paris
Claire Cowen Partner - International Tax - Leicester
Matthew Dalton Head of Consumer - London
Eline Polak Partner - Amsterdam
