After a year of terrorism, border disputes, epidemics, and regional economic downturns, the number-one threat to the world's supply chains last year might seem a little old fashioned:  A new report says damages caused by cargo theft that amounted to US$22.6 Billion (almost AU$30 Billion).  And the problem is likely to get worse by a billion dollars in 2016.

BSI’s Supply Chain Risk Exposure Evaluation Network charted a variety of threats to global supply chains.  Cargo truck hijackings in South Africa have increased by 30 percent during 2015.  The robbers are using escalating levels of violence, and expanding from targeting only high value goods to also targeting lower value items. 

Chinese authorities say a number of in-transit truck robberies have occurred along the G45 highway, a major highway in the country's east that links industrial centers.  Criminals in India have developed sophisticated ways to steal good from the backs of trucks without breaking customs seals in order to avoid detection – a major risk for companies participating in international supply chain security programs.  Terrorist-linked smuggling rings are reportedly colluding to move contraband including electronics, drugs, and weapons between Spain and the Middle East. 

Looking ahead, BSI says the rest of 2016 will highlight new concerns in China, Germany, India, Mexico, South Africa, and United States.  The report also identifies the South China Sea - where China has built military installations on small islands and reefs long claimed by other countries.  In Europe, the refugees crisis and terrorism are posing threats to the Schengen Zone of borderless trade and travel.