Hrabchuk Iryna, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor, The Head of the Department of International Relations and Political Management, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Zhytomyr, Ukraine

ORCID: 0000-0003-3664-7765
e-mail: kbo_til@ztu.edu.ua

Panchenko Olesіa, Assistant of the Department of International Relations and Political Management, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Zhytomyr, Ukraine

ORCID: 0009-0002-2193-1878
e-mail: kmvpm_pos@ztu.edu.ua

Lisova Ilona, higher education student in the specialty «International Economic Relations», Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Zhytomyr, Ukraine

ORCID: 0009-0006-9850-7660
e-mail: me8_liv@student.ztu.edu.ua

International Transport Chains in the Face of Global Upheavals: Consequences of Crises

Abstract. Introduction. The 2020s have brought an unprecedented series of crises to the international freight system, including the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Suez Canal blockade, the Red Sea crisis, the U.S.-China trade war, and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. These events have exposed the acute vulnerability of globally integrated transport networks to cascading disruptions.

Purpose. This article analyzes the impact of the global crises of 2020–2026 on international transportation chains and identifies key disruption patterns across different modes of transportation.

Results. A crisis impact matrix revealed that maritime transport sustained catastrophic or significant disruption in every crisis episode, making it the most vulnerable segment of the global system. Aviation was most affected by the pandemic, yet it proved resilient to maritime-related crises. Rail freight demonstrated relative stability with growth on the China-Europe corridor. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine was the only crisis to affect all five transport modes simultaneously. Key structural vulnerabilities identified include the bullwhip effect in supply chains and the high geographical concentration of cargo flows through strategic chokepoints.

Conclusions. The findings confirm that the contemporary international freight system operates under conditions of permanent instability, driven by compounding geopolitical and economic shocks. The asymmetric nature of crisis impacts across transport modes underscores the need for differentiated risk management strategies. The primary adaptation responses identified among market participants—route and supplier diversification, regionalization of production chains, and rebuilding strategic reserves of critical materials—represent essential priorities for logistics operators, foreign trade participants, and public authorities seeking to enhance transport system resilience in an era of persistent geopolitical turbulence.

Keywords: international logistics; international trade; trade war; geopolitical risks; resilience.

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