Global Supply Chain Pressure Rose to 1.28 in September
Operators should monitor rising logistics stress levels as the index climbs for the second consecutive month.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Transportation
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The Global Supply Chain Pressure Index reached 1.28 in September, up from a revised 1.20 in August. This index integrates transportation costs and manufacturing data to track pressure across global logistics networks.
Why it matters
Rising index values signal increasing volatility in the movement of goods, which can drive up operational costs for businesses relying on international freight. The upward trend highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining stable supply chain throughput.
The Global Supply Chain Pressure Index hit 1.28 in September, an increase from the revised 1.20 in August. The index remains significantly below its peak of 1.81 recorded in May and its all-time high of 4.43 reached in December 2021.
The players
New York Federal Reserve
A regional bank within the Federal Reserve System that publishes economic data used by businesses to gauge macroeconomic conditions.
Port of Los Angeles
A primary North American container port that serves as a critical node in international trade and global supply chain logistics.
The details
The index functions by calculating standard deviations from an average value using aggregated transportation cost data and manufacturing indicators. A positive value indicates that supply chain pressure is above historical averages, reflecting tighter capacity or increased costs. Additionally, infrastructure security remains a factor in this volatility, with the Port of Los Angeles blocking more than 120 million cyberattacks during August.
Timeline
December 2021: The index reached its all-time high of 4.43.
November 2025: The index recorded its last negative value of -0.21.
May 2026: The index hit a peak of 1.81.
August 2026: The Port of Los Angeles blocked 120 million cyberattacks.
September 2026: The index reached 1.28.
Market Landscape
The current index reading follows the pattern of volatility established during the 2021 Global Supply Chain Crisis, though levels remain far below those seen at the peak of that period. These readings contextualize current logistics constraints against the backdrop of recovery from extreme historical highs.
Operators should evaluate their current freight contracts and consider diversifying logistics providers to mitigate potential disruptions. Monitoring these index levels allows for better anticipation of cost fluctuations in international shipping and procurement.
The takeaway
The sustained increase in the index serves as a signal for businesses to review their inventory buffer requirements and shipping lead times. Tracking this index alongside regional port activity provides a clearer picture of potential bottlenecks in the global flow of goods.
Further reading
For more information on logistics trends, visit the Transportation section.
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