Irish Manufacturers Adapt to Vulnerable Global Supply Chains Amid Geopolitical and Climate Challenges

Irish manufacturers face increasing vulnerability in global supply chains due to geopolitical conflicts, trade tensions, and climate-related challenges, necessitating greater resilience and adaptability, according to industry leaders. Similarly, Malaysia's technology sector shows resilience amid US semiconductor tariffs, with domestic-focused companies and tariff exemptions helping to mitigate direct impacts, though indirect effects like softer demand remain a concern. The rising costs of digital advertising, inflation, and supply chain disruptions are prompting brands to improve collaboration between marketing and supply chain departments to avoid costly misalignments and maintain customer trust. Standard Chartered's survey of corporate leaders highlights tariffs, emerging technologies, and economic growth as key strategic factors, with many companies adopting treasury adjustments, digitalization, and supply chain realignment to enhance resilience. Additionally, equitable access to healthcare depends on resilient global supply chains that enable the production and distribution of affordable medicines, as emphasized by Viatris, which supplies a significant portion of essential medicines worldwide. Overall, these insights underscore the critical need for agility, technological integration, and cooperation across sectors to navigate the complex challenges of global supply chains and trade.