Core Insights - Three in five multinational companies anticipate rising costs due to geopolitical uncertainties, leading to increased adoption of artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing to mitigate financial pressures [1][2] - Approximately 62% of top executives expect cost increases of 5 to 14% over the next three to five years, with significant concerns among ASEAN companies due to supply chain realignment, tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainties [2] - Strong demand is noted for evolving global trade and supply chain ecosystems, with a focus on smart manufacturing and AI to enhance efficiencies and counteract rising costs [3] Industry Trends - The rise of AI and digital assets is now considered as crucial as economic growth patterns and trade tariffs in shaping global supply chain strategies, with 53% of respondents identifying these as top strategic drivers [5] - Nearly 40% of companies are currently utilizing digital supply chain finance platforms, with an additional 55% planning to adopt them within the next two years [6] - Six key markets identified for global sourcing, manufacturing, and exports include India, Malaysia, mainland China, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and the US, with around 40% of respondents from the US and UK intending to maintain trading activities in mainland China [7] Regional Insights - Companies in India and mainland China prioritize global economic growth in their trade outlook more than those in other surveyed markets, with expectations of increased trade ties between Asia and the Middle East [8] - Industries in mainland China are advancing up the global value chain, shifting from labor-intensive manufacturing to higher value-added products, supported by technologies such as AI, robotics, and renewable energy, alongside efforts to enhance domestic consumption [9]
AI and smart manufacturing come to the fore as multinationals face cost hikes: StanChart