The 2026 Agility Emerging Markets Index released yesterday, underscores a year of heightened uncertainty and transformation for the global logistics industry, with executives and policymakers preparing for volatile trade patterns, geopolitical tension and economic unpredictability.
The annual index, now in its 17th edition, serves as a barometer for the competitiveness of 50 emerging market economies based on logistics strength, business climate and digital readiness.
Compiled jointly by Agility and the research firm Transport Intelligence (Ti), the 2026 report reflects insights from a survey of more than 500 senior logistics professionals worldwide.
A striking 86% of respondents indicated that they expect volatility in trade, political relations and the global economy to either persist or become the “new normal” throughout 2026.
Industry leaders are increasingly turning to technology and strategic operational changes to navigate these challenges.
Near-universal adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) was a key finding of the survey, with 98% of companies reporting they are deploying AI tools across supply chain functions to enhance forecasting, routing and risk mitigation.
This surge in digital transformation points to both the pressures and opportunities arising from rapid change.
Agility Chairman Tarek Sultan in response to the index findings.“Leaders in business and government realize there is no comfort zone, no time to rest.
“They see AI as both a contributor to volatility and a tool to manage it. They’re facing new trade barriers in real time, pushing the energy transition, and navigating conflict between economic partners.”
Key Themes and Strategic Shifts
The index highlights several strategic trends shaping logistics in emerging markets:
Supply Chain Reconfiguration: With trade routes and sourcing strategies in flux, 97% of companies reported that they have already shifted or plan to shift production and sourcing footprints in the near term. This underscores a broader trend toward diversification and resilience following disruptions from recent global events.
Risk and Preparedness: Executives identified tariffs and trade protectionism as the risk area for which they feel least prepared, prompting greater focus on supplier diversification, freight consolidation, and strategic warehousing.
Sustainability Slowdown: Almost half of firms surveyed have paused or slowed sustainability initiatives, often citing cost constraints and competing business priorities, despite ongoing environmental commitments.
Emerging Markets Performance and Leaders
The 2026 Index rankings showed remarkable stability at the top. China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, Mexico, Thailand and Brazil claimed the top ten positions, reflecting strong logistics infrastructure, favorable business environments and growing digital capabilities.
The Arabian Gulf region drew particular attention, with all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ranking among the top dozen for business conditions.
Investment in AI, energy transition infrastructure and talent development is rapidly enhancing the region’s role as a global transit and logistics hub - helping it maintain productive ties with both the United States and China despite geopolitical shifts.
While the Index reveals a broadly optimistic view of emerging markets’ long-term potential, it also acknowledges stark differences across regions. Some countries lag due to limited digital maturity, infrastructure gaps or constrained access to capital - underscoring the continued need for targeted investment and policy support.
Outlook
As global supply chains evolve, the 2026 Agility Emerging Markets Index offers investors, logistics providers and governments a nuanced snapshot of where emerging economies stand in terms of competitiveness and adaptability.
With business leaders increasingly anchored in innovation yet cautious in strategy, the logistics industry appears ready to navigate volatility through agility and tech-driven resilience.