A new survey from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) shows that quantum technology companies are deeply embedded in global supply chains. Of the 160 firms surveyed, 90% said they rely on foreign suppliers, and 74% reported serving customers abroad.
The findings point to a strategic dilemma for governments. Quantum technologies are increasingly framed as matters of economic and national security, yet the industry's current structure depends on cross-border trade. Efforts to build supply-chain resilience or restrict certain technologies could conflict with the market access these companies need to survive.
The survey was released as policymakers weigh measures to secure quantum supply chains. QED-C's data suggests that any push toward domestic self-sufficiency must account for the sector's existing global dependencies.