MANUFACTURERS RAMP UP PURCHASING IN SEPTEMBER AS GLOBAL DEMAND STRENGTHENS: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

Global purchasing activity growth climbed close to its 2026 high, pointing to firmer manufacturing output in Q4 All three major regions register stronger purchasing, with the US, Germany, Taiwan and South Korea seeing accelerated factory buying in particular Supply shortages increase for the first time since May as intensified energy crisis hits oil and oil-based products CLARK, N.J. , Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs, based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — showed global manufacturers ramping up purchases of raw materials and components in September as underlying demand strengthened. Global input demand growth rose to its strongest since May and was close to its 2026 high, signaling firmer manufacturing activity heading into the fourth quarter. Purchasing strengthened across North America, Asia and Europe, with particularly ...