In global trade, not only tariffs and economic policies but also logistics and supply chain management are becoming increasingly critical. The term "supply chain," in particular, now encompasses more than just the flow of goods; it also includes elements such as digitalization, data analytics, collaboration, and flexibility. For example, a recent study revealed that in global supply chains, the "who knows" aspect has become more important than the "what they know" aspect.

The key areas of digital transformation are:

• Industry 4.0 technologies and IoT: Increased use of warehouse management, supply chain tracking, and automated logistics systems.

• Data analytics and artificial intelligence: Demand forecasting, inventory optimization, risk management.

• Digital collaboration platforms: Real-time information sharing with suppliers and logistics partners.

• Sustainability and green logistics: Carbon emission tracking, energy efficiency, environmental responsibility…

This transformation is critical for companies engaged in foreign trade in the following respects:

• As visibility into the "supply chain" increases, logistics risks and delays become more manageable.

• Digital systems can speed up "import-export" processes and reduce costs.

• Structural transformation is shifting from being solely focused on crisis management to being focused on creating a competitive advantage.

However, there are also some challenges:

• High investment requirement: Software, hardware, training…

• The scale and benefits of digital transformation for SMEs are not yet fully clear.

• The supply chain is still not immune to geographical and political risks; technology alone does not solve all the problems.

In summary, digital transformation in logistics and supply chain management is inevitable for the future of global trade. It is crucial for companies engaged in foreign trade to both be prepared for this transformation and turn it into a strategic advantage.