Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 153): 2 April 2026

Supply Chain Concern

In the period 16 March to 29 March 2026 (Wave 153), the BICS asked businesses about supply chain concerns over the next 12 months. An estimated 52.0% of businesses had some form of concern about their supply chains, up from 30.2% in December 2025.

Figure 1: In March 2026, the top supply chain concern for businesses was international conflict (41.9%), followed by shipping disruption (19.7%). An estimated 32.2% of businesses had no supply chain concerns.

Estimated share of businesses by supply chain concern over the next 12 months. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 153 (16 March to 29 March 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 153 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 1 data see table ‘SupplyChainConcerns’.

In the period 16 March to 29 March 2026 (Wave 153), businesses were asked how concerned they were about energy prices. An estimated 76.2% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, with this share rising to 89.8% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector and 91.3% for businesses in the Accommodation & Food Services sector. Data on concern about energy prices can be found in the ‘EnergyPricesConcern’ table in the Business insights and conditions in Scotland - data to Wave 153 - tables - time series Excel workbook.