Predictions for 2026: tariffs, manufacturing, AI

The future of supply chain is entering a defining chapter, and today, we dig into the signals, shifts, and strategic decisions shaping what’s ahead in 2026. From ongoing trade volatility and labor disruptions to the accelerating role of AI and integrated planning, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what leaders must prepare for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!

Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa break down the most important developments influencing global supply chains — and how leaders can build resilience in the face of constant disruption. They’re joined by special guest Alex Pradhan, Founder of Alchemy Advisors, who brings practical perspective on how organizations are adapting strategy, technology, and decision-making for what’s next.

Together, they discuss:

1. Why systemic disruptions — from trade policy shifts and labor unrest to natural disasters — are no longer exceptions, and how leaders must rethink resilience as a core capability
2. Key predictions for 2026, including the normalization of tariff impacts, a potential U.S. manufacturing boom, and the continued maturation of integrated business planning
3. How AI is moving beyond experimentation to accelerate decision-making, supported by a real-world case study from a major beauty brand using AI to speed product development
4. Why orchestration matters more than ever, and how system-level decisions can move outcomes instead of simply reacting to disruption
5. How AI may soon become foundational to employee productivity, shifting the conversation from functional ROI to long-term human capital development

Tune in as we connect the dots, challenge assumptions, and explore what these trends mean for manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders preparing for 2026 and beyond.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about EPG: https://epg.com
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-4JAN2025
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Tariffs, strikes, and tragedies: How 2025 transformed supply chains: https://bit.ly/big-2025-stories
5. Inside Outdoor Cap's Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: https://bit.ly/3N3q6Dv
6. Coty is Speeding up Its Supply Chain to Turn Around Sagging Sales: https://bit.ly/496B17Z
7. Tensions Rise Between Consumer Expectations and Consumer Supply Chains: https://bit.ly/44ZQft8
8. All ROI is About Human Capital - Making All Employees More Valuable: https://bit.ly/45EU1rY
9. Orchestration in Isolation: https://bit.ly/3YoXIOE
10. Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrapradhan/
11. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
12. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
13. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
14. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
15. WEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0Z
16. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
17. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-predictions-2026