Supply Chain Delays, Inflation Biggest Concerns for SMEs

Half of the respondents expect either significant increases or significant decreases to their business’ 2022 holiday sales compared to the 2021 holiday season.

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Supply chain is the top challenge for several SME businesses, but inflation is a close second, according to a DHL survey.

In fact, 46% of respondents said supply chain delays were their biggest concern followed closely by inflation, which nearly doubled from last year, with 35% saying it was their biggest concern in 2021.

 

From DHL:

 

  • Half of the respondents expect either significant increases or significant decreases to their business’ 2022 holiday sales compared to the 2021 holiday season.
  • 27% expect a significant YOY increase while 23% expect a significant decrease.
  • Despite inflation, 40% expect no significant change.
  • To offset rising inflation, 60% said their biggest priority was raising the prices of their products or services. Furthermore, 78% of respondents have increased their product pricing due to inflation; 17% have increased their pricing by over 20%; 22% have increased their pricing by 11-20%; and 39% have increased their pricing by 39%.
  • In 2023, almost half (45%) of respondents said expanding globally will be the most beneficial for their company. 
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