As trade uncertainty grows, global cooperation and balanced policies will be key to preventing economic fragmentation and safeguarding long-term growth.
- Protectionism and shifting trade strategies could disrupt global trade.
- Services trade remains strong, but goods trade faces uncertainty.
- Supply chains are evolving asfriendshoring and nearshoring
- UNCTAD urges balanced policies and multilateral cooperation.
Global trade started 2025 on stable ground, but challenges are mounting. The latest Global Trade Update by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), covering data through early March, signals a shifting landscape. In 2024, world trade saw record expansion to $33 trillion in 2024 – up 3.7% from 2023 – driven by developing economies and strong services trade. But looking ahead, new risks loom, including trade imbalances, evolving policies, and geopolitical tensions.
Supply chains diversify, not consolidate
Nearshoring and friendshoring trends reversed in 2024, as businesses moved beyond limiting trade to geopolitical allies or nearby regions. Instead of consolidating supply chains, firms are now diversifying trade networks across multiple regions to reduce risk – creating opportunities but adding complexity.
Trade dependence is also shifting. Economies such as Russia, Viet Nam, and India, have deepened trade ties with specific partners, while others, including Australia and the EU, are reducing reliance on traditional markets. The decline in trade concentration suggests that smaller economies are playing a bigger role.
Trade policies redraw the map
Governments are expanding tariffs, subsidies, and industrial policies, reshaping trade flows. The United States, European Union (EU) and others are increasingly tying trade measures to economic security and climate goals, while China is using stimulus policies to maintain export momentum.
This policy realignment is contributing to uncertainty. Rising protectionism (policies favouring domestic industries through tariffs or restrictions), particularly in advanced economies, is triggering retaliatory measures (countermeasures from trading partners in response to trade restrictions) and adding trade barriers.
Meanwhile, industrial policies (long-term strategies to develop specific sectors) are reshaping key sectors like clean energy, technology and critical raw materials, risking competition distortion.
Global trade imbalances widen
In 2024, global trade imbalances returned to 2022 levels. The US trade deficit grew, China’s surplus expanded, while the EU shifted to surplus due to energy price changes.
Bilateral gaps persist: the US-China deficit is widening, the EU’s surplus with China is growing, and India’s deficit with Russia has increased amid shifting energy trade. These trends could prompt new tariffs, restrictions, or investment shifts, adding to economic uncertainty.
Uneven sector growth
Trade growth varied by industry: agri-food, communication tech, and transport saw gains, while energy, apparel, and extractives slowed due to weaker demand and policy shifts.
Shipping trends indicate a slowdown, with falling freight indices signaling weaker industrial activity, particularly in supply chain-dependent sectors.
Navigating 2025: Avoiding fragmentation
As trade uncertainty grows, global cooperation and balanced policies remain critical. While China’s stimulus measures and lower inflation in some regions could support trade, protectionism and shifting policies in major economies remain key risks.
The challenge in 2025 is to prevent global fragmentation – where nations form isolated trade blocs – while managing policy shifts without undermining long-term growth. The actions taken now by governments and businesses will shape trade resilience for years to come.
