From TikTok to Tariffs: Impinj Supply Chain Integrity Outlook 2026 Reveals Growing Strain Between Consumer Expectations and Supply Chain Reality

Core Insights - Impinj, Inc. highlights the growing tension between consumer expectations and the capabilities of global supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilient, transparent, and data-driven supply chains [1] - The Supply Chain Integrity Outlook 2026 report reveals that RAIN RFID technology can enhance visibility and intelligence in supply chains, helping organizations respond to market pressures [12] Group 1: Consumer Expectations vs. Supply Chain Realities - 84% of supply chain leaders indicate that changing foreign trade policies are affecting their planning, leading to sourcing adjustments (54%) and increased prices for customers (53%) [2] - More than half (56%) of consumers would stop buying a product if tariff-related costs were passed onto them, highlighting a disconnect between supply chain realities and consumer affordability expectations [2] Group 2: Operational Threats in Retail - 65% of retail supply chain leaders are concerned about meeting the EU's Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements, with nearly one-third (29%) not expecting to meet the deadline [3] - 78% of retailers face challenges in preventing counterfeit products from reaching the market, with 71% reporting damage to brand reputation or revenue due to counterfeits [4] - 76% of retailers report an increase in fraudulent shipping incidents, with 60% of consumers stating that one fraudulent experience would lead them to abandon a brand [5] Group 3: Food Sector Challenges - 59% of food supply chain leaders are worried about meeting the FDA's upcoming Food Traceability Rule, with over one-third expecting to miss the deadline [6] - Food brands lose an average of $79 million annually due to food waste, with 75% citing waste reduction as a major challenge [8] - 58% of food supply chain leaders have experienced issues with food recalls impacting brand reputation or revenue in the past year [8] Group 4: Investment in Technology - 68% of supply chain leaders plan to invest in new AI and automation technologies in the next year, but over half (51%) cite data accuracy as a barrier to effective AI [10] - Currently, only 42% of organizations report real-time supply chain visibility capabilities, and just 46% have full item-level traceability [11] - RAIN RFID technology is identified as critical for providing item-level data, which is essential for effective AI and automation in supply chains [12]