Global trade

Trade forms the backbone of the world’s economies, spurring investment, job creation, economic growth, and raising standards of living.

Global trade is being increasingly disrupted as tariff tensions, political unpredictability, protectionist policies and regulatory uncertainty challenge established business models and trade relationships.

The resulting inefficiencies were challenging when the trade environment was stable. But in our increasingly volatile times with COVID-19, Brexit as well as trade and political tensions at both local and global levels, the stakes are far higher.

Now should be a breakthrough era for international trade, as technological advances are making new forms of business possible, built on a foundation of data and insight. EY professionals can help you build an integrated approach by:

  • Shaping responses to changing global tariffs and trading relationships
  • Reducing cost, risk and delays from your trade network
  • Driving better insights through data
  • Reimagining your supply chain operating model
  • Leveraging technologies


EY Global Trade Updates

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TradeFlash February 2025

Welcome to the newest edition of the TradeFlash newsletter, a roundup of the latest developments in global trade around the world.

In this issue, we provide links to EY articles and webcasts covering key trade topics, many of them focused on the impact of sustainability and data challenges on international trade. 

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Previous TradeWatch and TradeFlash editions

TradeWatch 2, 2024

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TradeWatch 1, 2024

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TradeFlash Oct, 2024

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TradeFlash June, 2024

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TradeFlash Feb, 2024

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TradeFlash Oct 2023

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TradeConnect

How can you spend less time on tactical/transactional activities and more on strategic and focused activities that create value? One way is to turn to EY Trade Connect — a modular technology platform that links EY clients to a broad spectrum of managed services that can adapt and evolve with the changing needs of the business.

Our latest thinking

How tax and trade leaders can prepare for global tariff disruption

Explore how new US tariffs reshape trade, driving tax leaders to adapt. Understand steps to build resilience and seize emerging opportunities.

17 Feb 2025 EY Global

Prepare now for the new era of selective globalization

Exploring scenarios for the world in five years reveals divergent paths for geopolitics, economic policies and company strategies. Learn more.

27 Mar 2024 Oliver Jones +2

How trade functions are transforming the ‘new normal’

A new perspective on recalibrating, refocusing and re-establishing companies’ interest in their global trade function. Read more.

11 Sept 2023 Lynlee Brown

8 ways interest rates affect transfer pricing and how to adapt

There is a consensus among economists that higher interest rates will remain in the medium -term. Businesses need a strategy. Read more.

04 Sept 2023 Jay Camillo

How tax departments should prepare for CBAM

Tax functions need to plan for the challenges CBAM will create and identify the potential opportunities it offers. Read more.

08 Aug 2023 EY Global

How three global trends are shaping indirect tax

Indirect tax leaders need to comply and spot the opportunities in the megatrends affecting indirect tax policies and international trade. Find out more.

19 Jun 2023 Kevin MacAuley

How disruption is shaping opportunities for global trade

In the face of continued geopolitical uncertainty, indirect tax and trade functions have an opportunity to show their real value. Find out more.

19 Jun 2023 EY Global

Why the gender gap in international trade needs to close faster

Some gender gaps are closing, but the pace of progress is too slow in trade. Reformers in government and business can show the way. Learn more.

16 May 2023

Case study: How geopolitical insights build resiliency

EY-Parthenon teams helped a financial services firm analyze the financial consequences of regional political tensions. Learn more in this case study.

How integrating tax and trade can improve supply chain performance

Amid myriad disruptions, a data-driven model helps integrate supply chain, tax, and trade to improve global supply chain performance. Read more.

18 Aug 2022 Marc Bunch +1

How unilateral digital services taxes put global tax reforms in motion

This episode of Tax and Law in Focus explores how the proliferation of DSTs has helped fast-track BEPS 2.0, triggering the biggest shake-up in international taxation for decades. Listen here.

26 Jan 2022 33m 15s

How multi-hub models help  operations and cut tax risk

Adopting multi-hub models can help businesses manage changing tax landscape and supply chain pressures. Read more.

22 Sept 2021 Jay Camillo +2

How the EU aims to enforce sustainability goals beyond its borders

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could have a major impact on global trade.

28 May 2021 EY Global

    Podcast : Gender gap in international trade

    In this episode, we explore the scale of the gender problem and leading practice deployed to help make a breakthrough.

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