MENA procurement leaders emphasize digital resilience and regional manufacturing opportunities
The latest CIPS Pulse Survey (Q3-2025) reveals that while global supply chain anxiety has eased slightly from record highs earlier this year, procurement leaders remain alert to mounting risks, including tariffs, geopolitical instability, and a sharp rise in cybersecurity threats.
The quarterly survey, conducted by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), found both short-term and 12-month concern levels have moderated since Q2, but remain above 2024 averages. The findings highlight that despite temporary relief, global supply chains are still operating under significant pressure.
Across the Middle East, procurement and supply professionals report similar trends: a cautious improvement in sentiment but heightened vigilance over digital vulnerabilities and tariff exposure.
Signs of relief, but risks persist
“Recent high-profile breaches underscore the need for organisations to embed cybersecurity at the heart of supply chain strategy or risk severe operational and reputational consequences,” remarked Ben Farrell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, CIPS.
“Cyber resilience is now a fundamental part of procurement leadership. In the Middle East, where digital transformation is accelerating across industries, supply chains are becoming increasingly data-driven and interconnected,” stated Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS MENA.
Achampong added that the survey’s findings mirror discussions at recent regional CIPS events, where leaders emphasised the strategic shift toward local manufacturing and technology-driven transparency.
“Nearshoring and local content development are becoming real priorities for MENA economies. These strategies not only mitigate tariff and logistics risks but also create stronger, more self-reliant supply ecosystems that are critical for long-term economic sustainability,” he added.
Shifting supply dynamics and tariff pressures:
The Q3 survey data highlights several emerging trends shaping procurement strategies worldwide:
- Technology supply risk is on the rise, with 19% of respondents citing significant price increases in computers and high-tech equipment.
- Petroleum and transport equipment also remain elevated at 16%.
- 59% of procurement teams are now exploring local manufacturing or nearshoring to reduce tariff exposure.
- 54% are renegotiating supplier contracts, and 41% are consolidating spend for volume leverage.
“We are seeing a structural pivot in supply chains. Tariffs are no longer a theoretical risk – they’re reshaping where and how businesses source. The fact that nearshoring and contract renegotiation are leading strategies shows how procurement is moving from firefighting to long-term redesign,” noted Dr John Glen, CIPS Economist.
