FIDI industry report: navigating the next chapter

Now available in an engaging new digital format, the ‘2026 FIDI Focus State of the Industry’ report explores the key trends shaping the future of global mobility.

FIDI Focus has released its 2026 State of the Industry report, which highlights the key trends in the global mobility sector over the past year – and those that will influence it in the months ahead.

The sixth edition of the annual report – which has been launched in a new interactive online format – also examines the industry’s response to the latest wave of disruption that emerged unexpectedly in late February this year.

When research began in the final quarter of 2025, there was cautious optimism that the industry was finally emerging from a prolonged period of uncertainty. Businesses had become leaner, more resilient and more disciplined after several difficult years.

However, the escalation of conflict in the Middle East on February 26 this year was a reminder of the permanent volatility the moving and relocation industry now faces.

The conflict had an immediate impact on international logistics, disrupting essential shipping routes and lengthening transit times. Operators have been forced to reroute vessels away from high-risk areas, while insurers have increased premiums and imposed additional restrictions – increasing uncertainty and costs for the industry.

In his March letter to FIDI members, FIDI Secretary General Jesse van Sas warned Affiliates to “set realistic expectations regarding timing, routing, and potential cost implications”, adding that “cost volatility and operational disruption are no longer exceptional events, but… need to be anticipated and managed as part of normal business planning”.

Geopolitics is only one of several pressures facing the moving and relocation sector. According to AIRINC’s Mobility Outlook Survey, geopolitical tensions and immigration policy changes are now the two biggest concerns for mobility professionals worldwide, followed by changes to regulations, customer expectations and technology.

Long-term success, says the report, now depends less on predicting the future than on responding quickly and effectively to near-constant change.

Trade flows are changing

The report also explores the changing geography of global trade, as businesses diversify supply chains to reduce geopolitical risk.

Countries including Vietnam, India, Thailand and Singapore are benefiting from increased investment as manufacturers shift production into alternative locations. This is creating new mobility corridors and growing demand for relocation expertise, local knowledge and skilled international employees.

At the same time, stricter immigration requirements and local regulations are increasing the complexity of cross-border assignments, making up-to-date knowledge an increasingly valuable asset for mobility providers.

Diversification into complementary services continues to be one of the industry’s major themes, driven by declining household goods volumes, changing employee preferences and the continued growth of lump-sum policies – with DSP one of the most attractive opportunities. Robert Cormier says: “The traditional model of focusing solely on HHG moving is no longer sufficient for sustainable growth.”

The report says the provision of destination services allows companies to strengthen client relationships and create new revenue streams – although doing so successfully is necessitating investment in people, technology and quality systems.

The role of mobility within organisations is evolving beyond operations, to become a growingly important tool for talent development, business expansion and workforce resilience. “The function is, at its core, logistics,” says Bob Rosing of Dwellworks. “But we also generate incredibly valuable information about costs, markets, trends, and customer expectations.”

As a result, mobility firms are increasingly called on to advise on compliance, risk management, workforce planning and changing market conditions, alongside delivering relocation services.

The report also highlights the growing preference for shorter assignments, project-based deployments and more flexible relocation models. This is creating opportunities for providers that can offer more agile and personalised support.

Meanwhile, the report shows that communication and transparency are becoming more important factors for employees and assignees. Customers increasingly expect clear communication, flexible policies, technology-enabled services and strong support throughout the relocation process. The emphasis has shifted from transactional relationships towards long-term, trusted partnerships.

The relocation management company (RMC) model is continuing to face challenge – and evolve in response. Automation and digital integration are improving visibility across supply chains, so RMCs are evolving into technology-enabled programme managers focused on transparency and strategic oversight. As this continues, moving companies and destination service providers may therefore find opportunities to take on broader, more integrated roles.

Despite advances in technology, people remain the industry’s greatest asset.

Recruitment, retention and skills shortages continue to affect organisations across the sector. Mobility professionals require operational expertise, cultural awareness, technological know-how and strategic advisory skills, while younger employees increasingly demand flexibility, wellbeing support and opportunities for development from their employers.

Professional development is therefore becoming an essential investment. The industry is experiencing a generational transition, with new leaders bringing fresh perspectives on technology, sustainability and workplace culture while benefiting from the experience of established professionals.

Employee wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important part of successful relocation programmes, with organisations recognising that successful assignments depend not only on logistics, but also on supporting employees and their families throughout the relocation experience.

Technology and artificial intelligence are a key part of the report, with many businesses now seriously exploring AI for shipment tracking, document processing and quotation support – although widespread adoption remains some way off. The report suggests that steady implementation is more likely than wholesale immediate change. Alongside these opportunities comes an increased focus on cyber security, which is now regarded as a wider and strategic business issue rather than just an IT concern.

Sustainability is also moving beyond standalone ESG initiatives to become embedded within day-to-day operations. Clients, regulators and procurement teams are demanding greater transparency and more meaningful sustainability data, making environmental performance an increasingly important competitive advantage.

Positive note

Despite the disruption experienced during the opening months of 2026, the report finishes on a positive note. Industry leaders no longer expect conditions to become easier, but many are confident that their organisations are now stronger, more adaptable and better prepared for future disruption. As Jesse van Sas observes, recent crises have been catalysts for positive change.

The businesses thriving today are those investing in people, embracing technology, diversifying services, strengthening partnerships and maintaining an unwavering focus on quality.

Volatility is unlikely to disappear any time soon, but the global mobility industry – and FIDI’s Affiliates in particular – are increasingly well equipped to respond to whatever comes next.

To access the FIDI Focus 2026 State of the Industry report, click here.

New digital format brings report to life

The 2026 FIDI Focus State of the Industry report has been launched in a new interactive online format, replacing the traditional PDF for the first time.

Created using the Shorthand digital publishing platform, the report is presented as a single scrolling experience optimised for desktop and mobile, allowing photography, video, graphics and key findings to be integrated throughout.