87% of ecommerce businesses likely to change manufacturing locations

ECOMMERCE BUSINESSES are preparing to overhaul their global supply chains as geopolitical uncertainty and disruption reshape the sector.

New research from global 3PL Fidelity Fulfilment, in partnership with Opinion Matters, shows 87% of ecommerce companies are likely to change their primary manufacturing locations within the next three years, signalling a significant restructuring of global production networks.

The study, which surveyed 1,500 ecommerce businesses across the US, UK and Europe, suggests the industry is entering a new phase of supply chain strategy focused on resilience and flexibility.

Alongside changes to manufacturing, ecommerce companies are also expanding their logistics infrastructure. Nearly nine-in-ten (86%) say they are likely to open additional fulfilment centres over the next three years, reflecting a shift toward more distributed fulfilment networks.

By localising inventory closer to customers, businesses aim to reduce disruption risk, improve delivery speeds and simplify cross-border logistics.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, confidence in supply chain resilience is rising. 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.

The research also highlights the growing commercial importance of sustainability initiatives. 89% of ecommerce companies say their sustainability efforts have had a positive impact on their organisation, rising to 93% among EU respondents and 92% in the UK.

However, when asked to prioritise a single strategic focus area, ecommerce 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.

Stephen Williams, director and co-founder of Fidelity Fulfilment, says: “Ecommerce 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.

“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.”

For access to the full data set, visit: https://fidelityfulfilment.com/report-the-future-of-ecommerce-supply-chains