TAKEAWAYS
Supply chain challenges are here to stay: A large majority (61%) say supply chain delays will be their biggest challenge for the rest of the year. That is an increase from the 54% who said supply chain delays were their biggest business challenge in 2021. Holiday planning overdrive: A majority (65%) of respondents are planning earlier for the holidays this year because of expected supply chain delays. Desperately seeking talent: In the 2021 survey, 50% of respondents said stang was not a challenge. This year saw a drastic change; just 38% say they are not impacted by the talent shortage. Inflation impact: Many SMEs with an international presence are feeling the pinch of inflation: • 42% experienced changes in their international sales due to inflation. • 26% have seen a decrease in international sales as a result of inflation. • 16% have seen an increase in international sales as a result of inflation. • 30% say they are unaected by inflation.
It’s summer and that’s when many small businesses look to see how they have fared during the first half of the business calendar and make plans and changes to shore up their remaining months of earning power. The country’s small businesses have already faced plenty of challenges in 2022, including supply chain issues, labor shortages, and international tensions, reports DHL Express’ annual mid-year survey of U.S. small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). How are these challenges informing business planning and operations for the rest of the year? Here are the key findings from the DHL Express survey, compiled from more than 4,000 responses: So long, COVID: The pandemic is no longer a major concern for most businesses. Only 12% say they expect COVID-19 will be their biggest business challenge for the rest of 2022. SMALL BUSINESSES FACE BIG CHALLENGES
July 2022 • Inbound Logistics 33
SyfanLogistics.com | Gainesville, GA | 855.287.8485 | 770.287.8485
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