E-Commerce Businesses Likely to Change Primary Manufacturing Locations Within Next 3 Years

E-commerce businesses are preparing to overhaul their global supply chains as geopolitical uncertainty and disruption reshape the sector, according to new research from Fidelity Fulfilment, in partnership with Opinion Matters.

In fact, the study shows 87% of e-commerce companies are likely to change their primary manufacturing locations within the next three years, signaling a significant restructuring of global production networks.

“E-commerce businesses are no longer just reacting to disruption, they are proactively reinventing their supply chains. By diversifying manufacturing locations, expanding fulfilment networks, and embracing cutting-edge technology, they are building operations that can adapt quickly to changing markets and customer expectations,” says Stephen Williams, director and co-founder of Fidelity Fulfilment. “This shift isn’t just about resilience, it’s about future-proofing growth. Companies that can combine flexibility, speed, and sustainability in their supply chains will not only withstand shocks but gain a decisive competitive advantage.”

Key takeaways:

·        The study suggests the industry is entering a new phase of supply chain strategy focused on resilience and flexibility.

·        Nearly nine in 10 (86%) say they are likely to open additional fulfilment centers over the next three years, reflecting a shift toward more distributed fulfilment networks.

·        88% of respondents say they are now more confident in their ability to manage supply chain shocks than they were three years ago.

·        Technology is playing a critical role in this shift, with 99% of businesses saying fulfilment technology is important for strengthening supply chain resilience.

·        89% of e-commerce companies say their sustainability efforts have had a positive impact on their organization, rising to 93% among EU respondents and 92% in the UK.

·        However, when asked to prioritize a single strategic focus area, e-commerce leaders placed customer experience (23%) ahead of both cost savings and sustainability (both 19%), underlining the continued importance of delivery performance and fulfilment quality in driving customer loyalty.