Global Supply Chain Pressure Has Increased
The index rose to 1.28 in September, reflecting ongoing pressures on global trade and logistics networks.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Transportation
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The New York Federal Reserve reported that the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index climbed to 1.28 in September, up from a revised figure of 1.20 in August. This index uses transportation cost data and manufacturing indicators to track pressures relative to historical averages.
Why it matters
A positive index value signifies that global supply chain pressures currently exceed historical norms, impacting trade efficiency. Monitoring these fluctuations is critical for understanding the health of international logistics and the movement of goods.
The index rose to 1.28 in September compared to 1.20 in August. The measure remains below the peak of 1.81 recorded in May and is significantly lower than the record high of 4.43 observed in December 2021.
The players
New York Federal Reserve
This regional bank serves as the primary institution responsible for monitoring and publishing the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index.
Port of Los Angeles
As a major gateway for international trade, this facility actively monitors and defends against high volumes of digital security threats.
The details
The index is calculated based on standard deviations from an average value, where zero represents the baseline. In addition to general supply chain metrics, the Port of Los Angeles reported blocking over 120 million cyberattacks during the month of August.
Timeline
December 2021: The index reached its all-time high of 4.43.
November 2025: The index recorded its last negative value of -0.21.
May 2026: The index hit a peak of 1.81.
August 2026: The Port of Los Angeles blocked 120 million cyberattacks.
September 2026: The index reached a value of 1.28.
Market Landscape
The current index reading of 1.28 remains significantly below the December 2021 all-time high of 4.43, marking a recovery from the peak strain of the pandemic-era trade environment. This stabilization reflects broader efforts to normalize global logistics despite ongoing regional threats to digital infrastructure.
Rising supply chain pressure can lead to increased costs for shipping goods, which may eventually translate to higher prices for consumers at the retail level. Businesses reliant on international imports should prepare for potential delays and fluctuating freight costs in the coming months.
The takeaway
Understanding these index fluctuations helps stakeholders track the reliability of global shipping networks. Businesses can mitigate risks by diversifying their logistics providers and strengthening digital security protocols in response to ongoing cyber threats.
Further reading
Find more insights on logistics and trade trends in our Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PYMNTS.
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