Key Industry Trends for 2026

The contemporary globalised world requires a much deeper understanding of trade policy architecture and institutions, as companies and policymakers grapple with comprehending the WTO and open market contracts at the bilateral and local level, and how they fit together; sell items and services and how they fit with modern models of service and trade such as global value chains and the expanding digital economy; and how countries approach crucial economic, social and ecological policies in relation to trade.

We provide both general introductions of trade policy along with more specialised courses focusing on subjects such as food and farming trade; non-tariff barriers; and digital and services trade.

GTR is committed to bringing you the most recent insights from the world of trade and trade financing. Our podcast platform currently includes four independent podcasts, ensuring there's something for everyone, no matter your area of interest.

A positive path to sustainable trade reform Dan Esty, Mari Pangestu, Chantal Line Carpentier, Danny Quah, Elena Cima, Jose Manuel Salazar Xirinachs, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Paul Polman, Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Shuang Liu, Nicole Itano, Rania Teguh, Jacob Taylor, Kershlin Krishna March 12, 2026

Critical Industry Forecasts for 2026

Organizations across industries are browsing the rapidly developing characteristics of international trade. To remain competitive, service leaders must reimagine how they manage supply chains, design market situations, and strategy labor force strategies. Download this guide to check out how business can enhance agility and durability in an unforeseeable worldwide environment by: Automating international trade processes to help in reducing the cost and risk of non-compliance.

Planning for and performing workforce changes to rapidly scale up or down as needed.

GTO founder Anirudh Bhagchandka at "Information for Development: Role of G20 in advancing the 2030 Program" hosted by MEA, UNCTAD, ORF, G20, T20

Organizations throughout industries are browsing the rapidly progressing characteristics of international trade. To remain competitive, magnate should reimagine how they manage supply chains, model market circumstances, and plan labor force methods. Download this guide to check out how companies can boost agility and durability in an unpredictable international environment by: Automating global trade procedures to help lower the cost and danger of non-compliance.

Preparation for and executing workforce changes to quickly scale up or down as required.

How AI Transforms Operational Performance

2025 has been a significant year for international trade, with the US raising its import tariffs to their greatest level because the 1930s (see Chart 1). While key indicators of US trade policy uncertainty have actually eased from earlier peaks, organizations continue to browse a highly unsure international environment. Select image to expand (opens in a new tab) ACCA's report, The outlook for worldwide trade: viewpoints from service leaderssurveyed accountants and magnate on their existing views on global trade.

28% expect their organisations to increase their amount of worldwide trade 'considerably' in the next three to 5 years, and the same percentage anticipate it to 'increase somewhat', while 18% and 5%, respectively, anticipate it to reduce 'rather' and 'considerably'. C-suite executives were even more favorable (see Chart 2). Select image to enlarge (opens in a new tab) Provided the major interruptions triggered by changes in United States trade policy, superpower competition and ongoing disputes all over the world, it was maybe not unexpected that 'geopolitical tensions', 'worldwide or civil conflicts/wars' and 'protectionist policies in innovative economies' were deemed the leading 3 threats or barriers for global trade over the coming years.

In very first place, was 'utilize technology (eg AI) to help assist in worldwide trade' (see Chart 3). In second and 3rd place were 'diversifying production, financial investment or location of suppliers' and 'access to new technologies'. Select image to expand (opens in a brand-new tab) Significant modifications in United States trade policy could have profound effects on future global trade patterns and circulations.

Meanwhile, the study results do not refute issues that a less open worldwide trading system could push up expenses for families and companies. Around 35% of respondents report that their organisation's costs are likely to increase by more than 10% due to changes in international sell the coming years, while 46% anticipate them to increase by up to 10%.

Select image to increase the size of (opens in a new tab).

Forecasting the Upcoming Sector

Fifth Flooring, 100 Victoria StreetCardinal PlaceLondon.

Discover the ten key takeaways, evaluate a quick summary, find interactive charts, and download the full report here.

Worldwide trade is poised to strike an all-time high of nearly $33 trillion in 2024, up $1 trillion from the previous year., contributing $500 billion to the total growth. Trade in items has actually grown at a slower 2% this year, remaining listed below its 2022 peak. Both sectors saw trade worths increase in the 3rd quarter, with momentum expected to carry into the year's last quarter.

Imports for this group grew 3% for the quarter, while exports increased 2%. tape-recorded the strongest quarterly development in products exports (5%) and the greatest yearly rise in services exports (13%). saw merchandise imports rise 4% both quarterly and yearly, with exports increasing 2% on the year and 1% in the quarter.

Selecting the Best Regions for Expansion

Trade in between establishing countries, known as South-South trade, dropped 1% for the quarter, reversing earlier trends. Establishing countries' trade remained positive on a yearly basis, growing by about 3%.

posted decreases of 1% in goods imports and 3% in goods exports for the quarter but saw services imports and exports both boost by 1%. On the year, items imports increased 4%, while exports grew 2%. trade stalled, with no development in imports and a simple 1% increase in exports for the quarter.

rose 13% for the quarter in line with the sector's strong 15% growth for the year. posted a robust 14% quarterly boost in sell stark contrast to its 5% annual decrease. saw a 3% drop in trade worths in the 3rd quarter due to slowing need, however the sector is still expected to publish 4% development for the year.

trade dropped 4% in the quarter, with no development reported for the year. The 2025 trade outlook is clouded by possible United States policy shifts, including wider tariffs that might disrupt international worth chains and effect essential trading partners. Even the mere danger of tariffs develops unpredictability, deteriorating trade, financial investment and financial development.

The US dollar's unsure trajectory and US macroeconomic policy changes contribute to international trade concerns.

Managing HR and Operations Across Borders

A casual reading of the news nowadays leaves the impression that the United States primarily imports manufactures and exports food and basic materials. Paradoxically, this leaves out the classification of global commerce that looms big in U.S. income statistics and drives U.S. financial growth: services. And this overlook is no little matter.

Some background. Solutions have long played 2nd fiddle to produces and agriculture in international trade settlements. In part, that's since of the typical but long-outdated concept that almost all services resemble hairstylist: living life as a blonde might be a lot less expensive in Beijing than Chicago, but there's no useful method to come by for a touch-up if you reside in Illinois.