How Oracle EPM Drives Resilience in a Turbulent Global Economy

Strategic clarity in these volatile times is no longer an aspiration but a necessity for businesses. It is increasingly important and urgent—for executives to know where to source, process, and sell their products amidst spiking tariffs, unsettled geopolitics, and disrupted trade routes across the globe. Business leaders are often required to make critical decisions within a matter of days or weeks. For instance, the Trump administration’s Liberation Day policy tariffs were announced in the US with immediate effect, giving businesses just a few days to react. Such urgent decisions may be further influenced by subsequent bilateral trade agreements as global trading orders undergo a reset. 

In addition to tariffs, trade routes have become a major concern for procurement departments. Disruptions in the Red Sea have significantly increased trading costs. In December 2023, Maersk had to pause all sailings through the Red Sea for 48 hours due to attacks from Houthi rebels. Kuehne + Nagel had to reroute more than 100 ships from the Suez Canal via the Cape of Good Hope, adding over 6,000 nautical miles and an additional three to four weeks to delivery timelines—ultimately driving up oil prices. This uncertainty is compounded by exchange rate fluctuations triggered by seismic local and global events, such as the Russia–Ukraine war, escalating tensions in the Middle East, climate-related disruptions affecting commodity prices, and national policy decisions impacting oil production or energy costs. 

With such volatility in the macro environment, how do executives maintain a resilient supply chain? How do they make sense of data points that change daily? Most importantly, how do they make the right decisions—timely and backed by sound evidence? 

Without strategic clarity, leaders are not where they need to be: in the driving seat.