Ukraine Conflict: A Stress Test for European Pharma Supply Chains

Since early 2022, the Ukraine conflict has served as a litmus test for the resilience of European pharma logistics. Eastern Europe, once a cost-effective hub for packaging and secondary manufacturing, now faces blocked routes, destroyed infrastructure, and volatile fuel markets. In Poland, Romania, and Hungary, pharma transporters have seen customs backlogs and delayed cold chain flows for critical products.
Further, energy insecurity in the EU has affected API production and warehouse stability. Logistics players are shifting toward diversified hubs, leveraging Western Europe and even North Africa to reroute production and storage operations.
However, adaptation is not uniform. Smaller contract manufacturers and transport providers are struggling with rising costs, underlining the importance of partnerships and integrated planning. The new logistics reality in Europe requires enhanced scenario modeling, cross-border collaboration, and digital visibility tools to stay ahead of disruptions.
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