TAKEAWAYS
MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK 2026 Global manufacturers will enter 2026 under intense pressure to modernize, adapt, and deliver in the face of relentless disruption, finds the 2026 Manufacturing Outlook Report from Xometry, Thomas, and Zogby Strategies. Survey respondents—300 executives from the United States, U.K., and Europe—see technology, agility, and sourcing resilience as the defining forces shaping the industry’s future. The report identifies four central themes that are influencing the manufacturing industry in 2026: the acceleration of AI and digital tools; the growing demand for operational agility; rising customer expectations for quality and responsiveness; and the need for stable, flexible sourcing strategies. In addition, closing the talent gap to sustain innovation is one key challenge executives agree upon. Why it matters: The supply chain is no longer just about moving goods; it’s a competitive dierentiator. From reshoring production to deploying AI at scale, manufacturers are investing heavily to meet customer expectations and navigate volatile global markets.
Source: Kenco
HIGH STAKES PEAK SEASON As the holiday peak season approaches, two new surveys paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing ecommerce brands: consumers are laser-focused on price ( see graphic above ) and therefore, tightening their wallets, while brands scramble to navigate taris, rising costs, and increasingly demanding customer expectations. Together, the findings underscore a high-stakes environment where value, convenience, and supply chain execution will be crucial. The surveys—Kenco’s 2025 eCommerce Peak Season Pulse and Passport’s Peak Season 2025 Playbook —oer insights from both sides of the equation: shoppers grappling with inflation, and retailers working to maintain margins while meeting customer demands. Consumers Cut Spending but Demand Greater Convenience Kenco surveyed consumers to understand how economic pressures are shaping holiday shopping behavior. The findings reveal a season defined by inflation concerns, demand for deals, and shifting expectations around delivery and returns: • Inflation and tari s are cutting into holiday budgets: 28% of consumers plan to reduce holiday spending, up 11% from 2024. • Price pressure dominates: 58% say inflation is their top concern, compared to just 16% citing product availability. • Shoppers want deals and control: 75% would choose slower, free shipping over paying for faster delivery. 57% say easy returns are the most influential shipping incentive. 72% call free return shipping the top return-related perk. 51% are willing to pay extra to guarantee a specific delivery window. • Visibility matters: 58% want real-time delivery map tracking, while 37% want photo confirmation. Brands Brace for Tari s While Betting on Cross-Border Growth Passport, a global ecommerce solutions provider, partnered with Drive Research to survey 200 ecommerce leaders across the United States, U.K., and Canada. The research reveals how brands are managing taris, fulfillment challenges, and customer expectations heading into peak season. Here’s what they found: • Tari s reshape pricing: 87% of brands have already raised U.S. prices to oset taris, and 99% say trade shifts are directly influencing peak-season planning. • International sales outlook remains bullish: 96% expect cross-border orders to rise in Q4 2025 compared to 2024. • Execution risks are high: only 31% of leaders are “extremely confident” in their ability to handle cross-border fulfillment. • Customer-first priorities:
A need for stable sourcing strategies is boosting the reshoring trend:
Here are some key takeaways from the survey:
AI as a Growth Engine 82% of executives view AI as a driver of growth 44% report significant ROI already from AI adoption 85% plan to invest over $100,000 in AI initiatives in 2026 Agility as the New Currency 45% of executives plan reshoring 29% have already reshored facilities Customer-Centric Mandate 54% note rising product quality demands 46% cite faster delivery as a core expectation 43% of buyers now expect “Amazon- like” supply chain transparency Sourcing for Stability 76% of global companies plan price increases in 2026, but 18% already face pushback from customers— making strategic sourcing crucial 84% will use new tech and partnerships to manage sourcing and pricing risks
57% rank fast, reliable delivery as their top goal this season. 41% say shipping costs are a main focus, with many exploring in-country fulfillment. 37% cite customer satisfaction as their most important KPI.
Source: Xometry, Thomas & Zogby Strategies
October 2025 • Inbound Logistics 15
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