The latest manufacturing and supply chain survey from Fictiv shows escalating trade tensions are top of mind.
A growing sense of uncertainty driven by tariffs, trade wars, and geopolitical instability has seeped into the manufacturing sector, according to the results of the 2025 State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report from Fictiv, a global contract manufacturing and supply chain company.
Survey results highlighted escalating trade conflicts, rising global tensions, and persistent supply chain disruptions are placing unprecedented pressure on manufacturing and supply chain leaders.
Despite these challenges, Fictiv says the report also shows momentum in onshoring, AI adoption, and increasing reliance on digital manufacturing platforms.
“Concerns about tariffs and trade wars are clearly top of mind for manufacturing and supply chain leaders,” says Dave Evans, co-founder and CEO of Fictiv. “We’re seeing a level of global uncertainty and supply chain disruption we haven’t seen since 2020. However, the report also shows that companies are embracing new technologies and strategies to build more resilient and agile supply chains.”
Key Findings
- Global Uncertainty on the Rise: 96% are concerned about the impact of current trade policies, and 93% believe trade wars will escalate in 2025.
- Supply Chain Disruptions Accelerating: 77% report a lack of resources limits their ability to manage the supply chain effectively, and 68% prioritize onshoring as a key strategy.
- Scaling Production More Difficult: 91% face barriers to product innovation, and 86% report sourcing parts takes time away from new product introduction. However, 90% see digital manufacturing platforms as essential.
- Sustainability Takes Hold: 95% report that weather and climate events impact their supply chain strategy, and 91% have sustainability initiatives and governance in place.
- AI Advances: 87% report advanced levels of AI maturity, and 94% use AI for manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Fictiv says its report underscores the need for manufacturers to embrace innovation and adaptability by building more resilient supply chains, leveraging digital manufacturing, embracing AI to transform operations from inventory management to product design, and prioritizing sustainability.
This is the tenth year Fictiv has commissioned the report.
Download the full 2025 State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report here.
