Global supply chain risk and performance management specialist Achilles has released new research revealing significant transparency challenges across international supply networks, as organisations face intensifying regulatory scrutiny and operational disruption. The annual Global Supplier Risk and Sustainability Survey, based on responses from 2,805 organisations spanning construction, energy, manufacturing, transport and the public sector, indicates that while sustainability and supplier governance are gaining prominence, visibility beyond immediate suppliers remains severely limited.
According to the findings, only 6% of organisations report full visibility into Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers. Nearly half of respondents indicate they have little or no insight beyond their direct supplier base. This lack of transparency is occurring at a time when supply chains are becoming more complex and increasingly vulnerable to regulatory changes, operational disruptions and heightened expectations around environmental and safety performance.
Trust in supplier-reported data is also low. Just 18% of organisations say they are highly confident in the accuracy of safety data provided by suppliers, underscoring the risks associated with limited oversight. The research identifies regulation as the leading driver of sustainability initiatives, overtaking both carbon reduction goals and customer demand. More than 75% of respondents report that inconsistent national regulations create challenges in maintaining uniform supplier standards across international markets. As compliance requirements expand, organisations are under growing pressure to demonstrate traceability, due diligence and continuous monitoring across extended supply chains.
Concerns about supplier capacity are also increasing. Nearly 60% of organisations express worry about the long-term availability of specialised suppliers, reflecting tightening conditions in critical supply markets affected by skills shortages and regulatory demands. Additionally, 64% of respondents believe their suppliers are only partially prepared to meet evolving environmental and safety standards, while just 11% consider them fully prepared.
The survey also points to growing interest in artificial intelligence to enhance supplier risk management. However, adoption remains limited due to fragmented data systems and legacy infrastructure, which restrict the ability to scale advanced monitoring solutions.
Overall, the findings reveal a widening divide between organisations with structured, scalable supplier risk frameworks and those relying on manual or fragmented processes. As global supply chains expand and regulatory expectations intensify, businesses are increasingly required to strengthen oversight, improve transparency and build resilience through more proactive risk management strategies.
