GITNUXREPORT 2025

Supply Chain In The Merchant Industry Statistics

Supply chain growth, visibility, digital transformation, and sustainability reshape merchant logistics.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average supply chain carries an inventory cost of about 25% of total sales revenue

Statistic 2

The average supply chain professional manages over 200 supplier relationships

Statistic 3

55% of companies are incorporating sustainability metrics into their supply chain performance evaluations

Statistic 4

The merchant industry accounts for approximately 10% of global freight volume

Statistic 5

Inventory accuracy rates improve by an average of 25% with the implementation of RFID technology

Statistic 6

The average inventory turnover ratio in the merchant industry is approximately 6.4 times per year

Statistic 7

47% of supply chain executives prioritize sustainability initiatives in procurement decisions

Statistic 8

55% of supply chain leaders report that cross-functional collaboration improves supply chain performance

Statistic 9

65% of supply chain executives are exploring or implementing circular economy practices to reduce waste

Statistic 10

72% of procurement processes are now digitized, reducing procurement cycle times by an average of 35%

Statistic 11

The use of digital twins in supply chains can reduce operational costs by up to 25%

Statistic 12

88% of supply chain professionals see sustainability as integral to future growth strategies

Statistic 13

The typical supply chain cycle time is around 50 days, but advanced digital practices can reduce this to under 30 days

Statistic 14

59% of supply chain professionals are interested in adopting sustainability metrics into supplier evaluations

Statistic 15

The merchant industry’s inventory shrinkage rate averages about 1.4% annually, due mainly to theft and inaccuracies

Statistic 16

78% of supply chain leaders believe digital transformation is critical to future success

Statistic 17

55% of merchants are increasing their investment in sustainable supply chain practices

Statistic 18

72% of supply chain leaders are prioritizing automation to reduce costs and improve efficiency

Statistic 19

48% of companies have adopted cloud-based supply chain management solutions

Statistic 20

52% of supply chain professionals expect their budgets to increase in the next fiscal year

Statistic 21

67% of companies plan to increase their use of IoT devices in supply chain operations

Statistic 22

80% of supply chain executives say they plan to invest in integrated planning and execution solutions in the next two years

Statistic 23

54% of supply chain firms have implemented or plan to implement 3D printing to reduce lead times and costs

Statistic 24

50% of supply chain leaders believe that supply chain digitization will be a key differentiator in competitive markets

Statistic 25

69% of merchants plan to invest in automated warehouse solutions within the next 3 years

Statistic 26

68% of supply chain companies are investing in cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats

Statistic 27

46% of merchants plan to increase their use of predictive maintenance on logistics equipment

Statistic 28

63% of supply chain professionals consider supplier collaboration platforms essential for operational success

Statistic 29

83% of supply chain organizations plan to increase their use of machine learning for predictive analytics by 2025

Statistic 30

49% of supply chain managers plan to increase their investment in cold chain logistics over the next five years

Statistic 31

55% of supply chain organizations are planning to adopt robotic process automation (RPA) in their workflows

Statistic 32

62% of organizations are investing in supply chain resilience initiatives post-pandemic

Statistic 33

47% of supply chain leaders believe that AI and machine learning will fundamentally transform supply chain planning processes

Statistic 34

Over 65% of organizations plan to implement or expand their use of blockchain technology by 2025

Statistic 35

70% of top-performing supply chains utilize advanced analytics and big data tools

Statistic 36

56% of companies are increasing investments in renewable energy sources for transportation and logistics

Statistic 37

44% of supply chain managers are planning to implement RFID for better inventory control within the next year

Statistic 38

60% of supply chain companies are investing in sustainability initiatives, aiming to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products

Statistic 39

The global supply chain management market size was valued at approximately $15.85 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $37.41 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.7%

Statistic 40

Millennials and Gen Z are responsible for 38% of total consumer demand, influencing supply chain adjustments

Statistic 41

The use of drone technology in supply chain logistics increased by 65% in 2022

Statistic 42

Adoption of AI-driven demand forecasting tools increased by 45% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 43

The average annual growth rate for supply chain software is projected at 11.2% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 44

The use of autonomous vehicles in supply chain logistics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.4% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 45

The merchant industry’s e-commerce share accounts for over 30% of total retail sales in many developed markets

Statistic 46

The global cold chain logistics market is projected to reach $423 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.7%

Statistic 47

The use of 5G technology in supply chains is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% over the next 5 years, enabling faster data transfer and automation

Statistic 48

65% of organizations experienced supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19

Statistic 49

42% of supply chain disruptions are caused by supplier failures

Statistic 50

56% of supply chain managers report difficulty in forecasting demand accurately

Statistic 51

Retailers lose an average of 1.33% of sales annually due to supply chain inefficiencies

Statistic 52

The median lead time for supplier delivery in the merchant industry is approximately 30 days

Statistic 53

47% of supply chain executives say Brexit has increased supply chain complexity

Statistic 54

64% of merchants report that transportation costs have increased significantly in the past year

Statistic 55

53% of supply chain professionals cite expanding global trade networks as a key driver for digital transformation

Statistic 56

60% of supply chain disruptions are linked to weather-related events

Statistic 57

The average time to recover from a supply chain disruption is approximately 18 days

Statistic 58

36% of supply chains experienced cybersecurity breaches in 2022

Statistic 59

20% of supply chain managers report high reliance on manual processes, leading to errors and delays

Statistic 60

34% of supply chain disruptions are due to geopolitical issues, such as tariffs and trade wars

Statistic 61

61% of supply chain professionals cite lack of real-time data as a major obstacle to efficiency

Statistic 62

45% of merchants experienced stockouts during peak seasons, leading to lost sales

Statistic 63

78% of supply chain executives believe that supply chain agility is critical to responding to market changes

Statistic 64

Just 27% of supply chain organizations feel prepared for future disruptions

Statistic 65

41% of supply chain companies report challenges in integrating new technologies with existing systems

Statistic 66

43% of supply chain managers report difficulties in supplier onboarding, resulting in delays

Statistic 67

59% of supply chain professionals say that last-mile delivery is their biggest logistical challenge

Statistic 68

33% of supply chain disruptions are attributable to labor strikes

Statistic 69

54% of companies use supply chain simulations to prepare for disruptions and plan responses

Statistic 70

The recent rise in e-commerce has increased last-mile delivery costs by an average of 30%

Statistic 71

44% of merchants encounter delays due to customs and trade regulations

Statistic 72

29% of supply chain inefficiencies are related to manual data entry errors

Statistic 73

58% of supply chain professionals report that inventory planning is their most challenging task

Statistic 74

The shift toward omni-channel retailing has increased the complexity of supply chains, with 48% citing integrating multiple channels as a top concern

Statistic 75

44% of merchants experienced a surge in supply chain costs during 2022, primarily due to fuel and transportation rates

Statistic 76

27% of supply chain disruptions are due to supplier insolvencies

Statistic 77

The average shipping delay due to port congestion increased by 20 days in 2022

Statistic 78

The average cost of supply chain disruptions to merchants in 2022 was estimated at $1.4 million per incident

Statistic 79

33% of supply chain executives see employee training and development as critical to implementing new technologies successfully

Statistic 80

62% of merchants report that supply chain disruptions have led to increased costs and delayed delivery times

Statistic 81

80% of supply chain organizations have experienced increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions

Statistic 82

75% of supply chain leaders believe that integrating AI with existing ERP systems enhances operational efficiency

Statistic 83

65% of global merchants are expanding their supplier base to mitigate risks associated with dependence on single sources

Statistic 84

43% of supply chain practitioners report challenges in managing multi-tier supplier risks

Statistic 85

The merchant industry’s average return rate due to supply chain errors is about 8%, impacting profitability

Statistic 86

70% of supply chain professionals say visibility is a top priority

Statistic 87

Just 6% of companies feel they have full visibility across their supply chains

Statistic 88

40% of organizations use AI to optimize inventory management

Statistic 89

81% of supply chain managers believe that blockchain can improve transparency and traceability

Statistic 90

43% of merchant companies are using predictive analytics to forecast demand and optimize inventory

Statistic 91

72% of procurement teams are leveraging digital platforms to enhance supplier collaboration

Statistic 92

85% of organizations using data analytics report improved decision-making in supply chain planning

Statistic 93

Companies that implement end-to-end supply chain visibility see an average 20% reduction in costs

Statistic 94

76% of supply chain managers believe that real-time tracking improves customer satisfaction

Statistic 95

63% of companies believe that supply chain data integration across systems improves decision-making

Statistic 96

54% of supply chain companies utilize sensor-based technology for real-time monitoring

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Key Highlights

The global supply chain management market size was valued at approximately $15.85 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $37.41 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.7%
70% of supply chain professionals say visibility is a top priority
Just 6% of companies feel they have full visibility across their supply chains
65% of organizations experienced supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19
The average supply chain carries an inventory cost of about 25% of total sales revenue
78% of supply chain leaders believe digital transformation is critical to future success
Millennials and Gen Z are responsible for 38% of total consumer demand, influencing supply chain adjustments
42% of supply chain disruptions are caused by supplier failures
56% of supply chain managers report difficulty in forecasting demand accurately
Retailers lose an average of 1.33% of sales annually due to supply chain inefficiencies
40% of organizations use AI to optimize inventory management
The median lead time for supplier delivery in the merchant industry is approximately 30 days
47% of supply chain executives say Brexit has increased supply chain complexity

The rapidly evolving landscape of the merchant industry’s supply chains is driven by innovative technologies, increasing transparency demands, and unprecedented disruptions—highlighting a crucial need for smarter, more resilient strategies to stay competitive in a global marketplace.

Industry Performance and Metrics

The average supply chain carries an inventory cost of about 25% of total sales revenue
The average supply chain professional manages over 200 supplier relationships
55% of companies are incorporating sustainability metrics into their supply chain performance evaluations
The merchant industry accounts for approximately 10% of global freight volume
Inventory accuracy rates improve by an average of 25% with the implementation of RFID technology
The average inventory turnover ratio in the merchant industry is approximately 6.4 times per year
47% of supply chain executives prioritize sustainability initiatives in procurement decisions
55% of supply chain leaders report that cross-functional collaboration improves supply chain performance
65% of supply chain executives are exploring or implementing circular economy practices to reduce waste
72% of procurement processes are now digitized, reducing procurement cycle times by an average of 35%
The use of digital twins in supply chains can reduce operational costs by up to 25%
88% of supply chain professionals see sustainability as integral to future growth strategies
The typical supply chain cycle time is around 50 days, but advanced digital practices can reduce this to under 30 days
59% of supply chain professionals are interested in adopting sustainability metrics into supplier evaluations
The merchant industry’s inventory shrinkage rate averages about 1.4% annually, due mainly to theft and inaccuracies

Industry Performance and Metrics Interpretation

In a merchant world where supply chains juggle over 200 supplier ties, carry a hefty 25% of sales in inventory costs, and aim to cut cycle times from 50 to under 30 days through digital wizardry, it's clear that integrating sustainability and innovation isn't just a trend—it's the vital blueprint for future resilience and profitability.

Investment and Innovation in Supply Chain

78% of supply chain leaders believe digital transformation is critical to future success
55% of merchants are increasing their investment in sustainable supply chain practices
72% of supply chain leaders are prioritizing automation to reduce costs and improve efficiency
48% of companies have adopted cloud-based supply chain management solutions
52% of supply chain professionals expect their budgets to increase in the next fiscal year
67% of companies plan to increase their use of IoT devices in supply chain operations
80% of supply chain executives say they plan to invest in integrated planning and execution solutions in the next two years
54% of supply chain firms have implemented or plan to implement 3D printing to reduce lead times and costs
50% of supply chain leaders believe that supply chain digitization will be a key differentiator in competitive markets
69% of merchants plan to invest in automated warehouse solutions within the next 3 years
68% of supply chain companies are investing in cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats
46% of merchants plan to increase their use of predictive maintenance on logistics equipment
63% of supply chain professionals consider supplier collaboration platforms essential for operational success
83% of supply chain organizations plan to increase their use of machine learning for predictive analytics by 2025
49% of supply chain managers plan to increase their investment in cold chain logistics over the next five years
55% of supply chain organizations are planning to adopt robotic process automation (RPA) in their workflows
62% of organizations are investing in supply chain resilience initiatives post-pandemic
47% of supply chain leaders believe that AI and machine learning will fundamentally transform supply chain planning processes
Over 65% of organizations plan to implement or expand their use of blockchain technology by 2025
70% of top-performing supply chains utilize advanced analytics and big data tools
56% of companies are increasing investments in renewable energy sources for transportation and logistics
44% of supply chain managers are planning to implement RFID for better inventory control within the next year
60% of supply chain companies are investing in sustainability initiatives, aiming to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products

Investment and Innovation in Supply Chain Interpretation

In a rapidly evolving industry, where 78% of supply chain leaders deem digital transformation critical and over 80% plan to invest in integrated planning and machine learning by 2025, merchants are boldly retooling with sustainability, automation, and cutting-edge technology—reminding us that the only constant in supply chains is their relentless drive to innovate or be left behind.

Market Size and Growth

The global supply chain management market size was valued at approximately $15.85 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $37.41 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.7%
Millennials and Gen Z are responsible for 38% of total consumer demand, influencing supply chain adjustments
The use of drone technology in supply chain logistics increased by 65% in 2022
Adoption of AI-driven demand forecasting tools increased by 45% from 2020 to 2023
The average annual growth rate for supply chain software is projected at 11.2% from 2021 to 2028
The use of autonomous vehicles in supply chain logistics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.4% from 2023 to 2028
The merchant industry’s e-commerce share accounts for over 30% of total retail sales in many developed markets
The global cold chain logistics market is projected to reach $423 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.7%
The use of 5G technology in supply chains is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% over the next 5 years, enabling faster data transfer and automation

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

As the supply chain transforms into a high-tech, millennial-influenced powerhouse growing from nearly $16 billion in 2020 to over $37 billion by 2027, embracing drone delivery, AI, autonomous vehicles, and 5G, the industry underscores that in the merchant world, staying ahead means swiftly navigating the digital cargo ship of innovation.

Supply Chain Challenges and Risks

65% of organizations experienced supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19
42% of supply chain disruptions are caused by supplier failures
56% of supply chain managers report difficulty in forecasting demand accurately
Retailers lose an average of 1.33% of sales annually due to supply chain inefficiencies
The median lead time for supplier delivery in the merchant industry is approximately 30 days
47% of supply chain executives say Brexit has increased supply chain complexity
64% of merchants report that transportation costs have increased significantly in the past year
53% of supply chain professionals cite expanding global trade networks as a key driver for digital transformation
60% of supply chain disruptions are linked to weather-related events
The average time to recover from a supply chain disruption is approximately 18 days
36% of supply chains experienced cybersecurity breaches in 2022
20% of supply chain managers report high reliance on manual processes, leading to errors and delays
34% of supply chain disruptions are due to geopolitical issues, such as tariffs and trade wars
61% of supply chain professionals cite lack of real-time data as a major obstacle to efficiency
45% of merchants experienced stockouts during peak seasons, leading to lost sales
78% of supply chain executives believe that supply chain agility is critical to responding to market changes
Just 27% of supply chain organizations feel prepared for future disruptions
41% of supply chain companies report challenges in integrating new technologies with existing systems
43% of supply chain managers report difficulties in supplier onboarding, resulting in delays
59% of supply chain professionals say that last-mile delivery is their biggest logistical challenge
33% of supply chain disruptions are attributable to labor strikes
54% of companies use supply chain simulations to prepare for disruptions and plan responses
The recent rise in e-commerce has increased last-mile delivery costs by an average of 30%
44% of merchants encounter delays due to customs and trade regulations
29% of supply chain inefficiencies are related to manual data entry errors
58% of supply chain professionals report that inventory planning is their most challenging task
The shift toward omni-channel retailing has increased the complexity of supply chains, with 48% citing integrating multiple channels as a top concern
44% of merchants experienced a surge in supply chain costs during 2022, primarily due to fuel and transportation rates
27% of supply chain disruptions are due to supplier insolvencies
The average shipping delay due to port congestion increased by 20 days in 2022
The average cost of supply chain disruptions to merchants in 2022 was estimated at $1.4 million per incident
33% of supply chain executives see employee training and development as critical to implementing new technologies successfully
62% of merchants report that supply chain disruptions have led to increased costs and delayed delivery times
80% of supply chain organizations have experienced increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions
75% of supply chain leaders believe that integrating AI with existing ERP systems enhances operational efficiency
65% of global merchants are expanding their supplier base to mitigate risks associated with dependence on single sources
43% of supply chain practitioners report challenges in managing multi-tier supplier risks
The merchant industry’s average return rate due to supply chain errors is about 8%, impacting profitability

Supply Chain Challenges and Risks Interpretation

Amid escalating costs, geopolitical turbulence, and climate-induced chaos, the merchant industry's supply chains are engaging in a high-stakes balancing act—struggling to forecast demand, integrate new technologies, and maintain resilience—while each disruption, on average costing $1.4 million, underscores that agility and real-time data are no longer optional but essential for survival in a volatile global market.

Supply Chain Visibility and Transparency

70% of supply chain professionals say visibility is a top priority
Just 6% of companies feel they have full visibility across their supply chains
40% of organizations use AI to optimize inventory management
81% of supply chain managers believe that blockchain can improve transparency and traceability
43% of merchant companies are using predictive analytics to forecast demand and optimize inventory
72% of procurement teams are leveraging digital platforms to enhance supplier collaboration
85% of organizations using data analytics report improved decision-making in supply chain planning
Companies that implement end-to-end supply chain visibility see an average 20% reduction in costs
76% of supply chain managers believe that real-time tracking improves customer satisfaction
63% of companies believe that supply chain data integration across systems improves decision-making
54% of supply chain companies utilize sensor-based technology for real-time monitoring

Supply Chain Visibility and Transparency Interpretation

Despite nearly three-quarters of supply chain professionals prioritizing visibility, a mere 6% feel truly enlightened, highlighting that while AI, blockchain, and sensors illuminate the path forward, many companies still grapple with a foggy outlook that hampers efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction.