Inflation’s Impact on Supply Chain: 2024 Predictions | SeaRates

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development claims that the world economy is facing a tough year due to the COVID-19 consequences, geopolitical tensions, and high costs of living. According to the latest reports, global growth is projected at 3.2 percent in 2025, compared to 3.1 percent in 2024. However, global headline inflation is expected to decrease to 4.4 percent in the next year, despite the central bank's rising rates, government spending cuts, and low productivity. The inflation trend highlights these dynamics. Next, SeaRates goes through the inflation expectations and the supply chain as well as the current inflation state on major continents.



Global inflation situation outline 

Global economic growth is predicted to slow down compared to 2023. Yet, last year's commodity price shocks caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continue to influence inflation and economics. The inflation impact on the supply chain has been significant, leading to increased production and transportation costs for many goods, including high-end casual dresses. These rising costs are often passed down to consumers, resulting in higher retail prices and potential changes in consumer spending patterns.


Inflation in Europe

Europe struggles to find alternative energy sources after boycotting Russian imports. At the same time, Ukraine's role as a significant food producer is jeopardized. Furthermore, geopolitical concerns refer to Europe, with growth projected to be lower than last year. 


Inflation in the USA

Equally, in North America, the challenges of regulating inflation are present due to a tight labor market and high customer demand. Such challenges as production matters, material shortages, and delays make achieving the target 2% inflation rate tricky, slowing economic growth compared to last year.


Inflation in Asia 

Asia is positioning itself as the engine of global growth and is projected to experience faster disinflation. According to the Asian Development Bank, it is followed by China's reopening, a comeback in tourism, and healthy regional financial conditions. The IMF also emphasizes increased consumer spending after removing pandemic regulations in Asia. Both the IMF and ADB have issues with China's stumbling property market and weak external demand. These factors affect the Southeast Asian and Japanese economies as well.


How does inflation impact global logistics? 

First, rising materials and transportation fees, along with logistics inflation, drive increased consumer costs, restraining their purchasing ability. With this background, China's economic recovery and overall global expansion could offer some relief, but geopolitical uncertainties will likely go on.

At the same time, US bottlenecks in logistics and transportation still remain a significant issue, leading to low profit margins.

Finally, frequent extreme weather conditions like heatwaves and droughts also interrupt logistics, making it harder to manage the effect of supply chain inflation on the logistics sector.


Building a strong partnership with a comprehensive logistics provider like SeaRates addresses the issues related to inflation and the supply chain. By using Logistics Explorer or tracking system you will calculate and compare freight rates enhancing your operations. Request a Quote to get assistance from our team based on your needs and business details.


How can businesses mitigate the matter?

1. Diversify your supply chain by securing several sources of commodities, developing extra manufacturing centers, and bringing regional hubs closer to markets. 

2. Strengthen your relationship with suppliers to access better pricing proposals and resources during transportation inflation.

3. Embrace emerging technologies. Consider investing in new technologies to make your business adaptable to the changing market. Don’t hesitate to reach out to SeaRates and get practical IT solutions for your optimized delivery routes.


Conclusions

While the upcoming months may still be unforeseen, SeaRates knows how to boost your supply chains by offering logistics tools for your freight business. Struggling to expand your geographic base and overcome inflation challenges? Reach us at [email protected] for a unique offer.

Anna – a content manager from Odesa, loves reading poetry and is passionate about writing fascinating articles. The biggest dream is to travel to Australia to save wild animals and their natural habitat

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