Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026 shows global logistics executives are preparing for a volatile year shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and economic uncertainty, while increasingly relying on artificial intelligence, cost controls, and supply-chain restructuring to adapt.
According to the report, based on a survey of 503 industry professionals, 86% expect increased volatility in 2026 or view trade, political, and economic turbulence as the “new normal.”
The Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026, the 17th annual survey and ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets, evaluates countries based on domestic and international logistics strengths, business climate, and digital readiness — key factors influencing logistics providers, freight forwarders, carriers, distributors, and investors.
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Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026: Logistics Industry’s Response to Structural Uncertainty
The survey shows widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across the logistics sector. Ninety-eight percent of respondents say their companies are using artificial intelligence to manage part of their supply chain or operations.
The findings also indicate that global production and sourcing shifts — initially triggered by COVID-19 disruptions, followed by U.S.–China tensions and tariff increases — continue as companies restructure and refine supply chains.
“Leaders in business and government realize there is no comfort zone, no time to rest. They’re searching for durable paths to growth at a time of extraordinary uncertainty,” says Agility Chairman Tarek Sultan.
“They see AI as both a contributor to volatility and a tool to manage it. They’re facing new trade barriers in real time. They’re pushing the energy transition, and they’re navigating conflict between economic partners.”
Gulf Economies Strengthen Position as Global Logistics Hubs
The Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026 includes detailed analysis of Arabian Gulf economies, highlighting how the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are positioning themselves as global logistics and transit hubs through investments in AI, energy transition, and workforce development.
The GCC region is described as “thriving” as a global trade crossroads, supported by rapid AI adoption and balanced economic relationships with both the United States and China. According to the Index, “Volatility won’t derail (Gulf) ambition.”
All six Gulf countries rank among the top 12 globally for best business conditions.
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Emerging Market Rankings Remain Stable
The Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026 rankings show stability among leading emerging markets, with the top 10 countries listed as:
China, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, Mexico, Thailand, and Brazil.
- In digital readiness, the leading countries are:
- China, Malaysia, India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
- In international logistics opportunities, the top performers are:
- China, India, Mexico, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
- In domestic logistics performance, leaders include:
- China, India, Indonesia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Supply Chain Diversification Continues Across Industries
Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026 findings show companies continuing to redesign supply chains:
- 97% of executives say their companies have shifted or plan to shift production and sourcing.
- Tariffs and trade protection are viewed as the risks companies are least prepared for.
- Common strategies to manage disruption include supplier diversification, freight consolidation, and strategic warehousing.
The Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026 also highlights evolving sustainability priorities. Forty-eight percent of companies report pausing or slowing sustainability initiatives, citing cost-cutting pressures, changing business priorities, and difficulty demonstrating return on investment.
Structural Uncertainty Reshaping Global Logistics
Transport Intelligence (Ti), which has compiled the Index since its launch in 2009, emphasized the long-term nature of current market challenges.
John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “One phrase which came up time and again throughout our research was ‘structural uncertainty’ — caused by geopolitical fragmentation, trade policy volatility and uneven economic momentum.
The Agility Emerging Markets Index 2026 confirms that supply chain companies aren’t retreating from this uncertainty but instead are engineering around it. Looking at emerging markets, we see advanced digital tools being embedded in some while others are constrained by skill, infrastructure and access to capital.
Since its inception, the Agility Emerging Market Index has enabled investors to differentiate between those countries which have fully embraced the opportunities and those which are lagging behind.”
Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2026: agility.com/2026index
