Businesses and consumers could be hit hard in the run up to Christmas 2026 as continued supply-chain disruption will see double-digit price rises hitting transport, household staples, food and technology products.
The latest CIPS Global Pulse Survey for Q3 2026 shows what earlier surveys warned that higher freight and input costs would feed through to businesses and households. Respondents describe production costs becoming “difficult to reconcile with the prices customers are willing to pay”, while expectations of further increases extend across the full range of input categories.
Continued disruption, fluctuating fuel prices and instability along key global trade routes are compounding manufacturing costs and the expense of moving goods worldwide.
Almost one in four respondents indicated that food and beverages (23%) would see prices rise by at least 10% in the coming quarter, alongside 26% for computers and peripheral equipment and 36% for shipping and logistics.
Including more moderate increases, 42% expect food and beverage costs to rise by at least 5%, rising to 51% for computers.
When given the opportunity to list specific goods of concern, respondents identified beef, seafood, dairy products, coffee, rice and vegetables among the foods most exposed to input price pressures. One reported that fresh vegetable prices are already up by more than 10%; another suggested prawns are impacted to similar levels, while plastic and paper packaging are up 5–10%. Technology buyers also report component shortages, with one highlighting a “Shortage of chips has repercussions for laptop purchases”.
These pressures are compounded by expectations of increases of at least 10% in chemicals (29%), refined petroleum products (27%) and rubber and plastics (24%), adding to manufacturing, packaging and delivery costs.
CIPS warns that pressure on diesel supplies, continuing conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, and disruption to shipping routes serving the Suez Canal are compounding that exposure. Higher transport costs are being layered onto the cost of energy, raw materials, packaging and components needed to produce the next generation of stock.