Global trade

Trade is the backbone of the world’s economies, driving investment, job creation, and economic growth while enhancing living standards. Adaptive trade practices are essential for continued prosperity. 

Global trade is facing unprecedented disruptions as escalating 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. However, in today's increasingly volatile landscape, the stakes are significantly higher.

This moment represents a unique transformative era for international trade. Technological advances are enabling innovative business models that leverage data and insights. EY professionals can help you build an integrated approach by:

  • Shaping proactive responses to evolving global tariffs and trading relationships
  • Reducing costs, risks, and delays within your trade network
  • Enhancing decision-making through advanced data analytics
  • Reimagining your supply chain operating model for resilience and agility
  • Harnessing cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency and innovation


EY Global Trade Updates

Tradewatch 2025 global Insight

TradeWatch Global Insights

In this first issue of the year, we look at how the global trade landscape is shifting due to the US new foreign trade policy, which includes increased tariffs on key imports. This has prompted retaliatory measures from affected nations, signaling a potential departure from the era of free trade.

While protectionism is on the rise, this period may also offer a chance to renegotiate trade agreements for greater equity. The responses to these tariffs will shape the future of international commerce for years to come.

Download Global Insights chapter 

Download full report


Previous TradeWatch and TradeFlash editions

TradeWatch 3, 2024

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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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Introducing EY Global Trade Analytics

Explore the future of global trade with EY Global Trade Analytics. Navigate challenges and opportunities through data-driven insights, assess supply chain efficiency and make informed decisions to optimize costs. Transform your trade operations today.

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

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27 Mar 2024 Oliver Jones +2

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 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 Sep 2021 Jay Camillo +2

How foreign investment in Europe, by Europe, can drive economic recovery

To remain attractive, Europe must put collaboration at its heart and simultaneously embrace digital, innovation and sustainability.

08 Jun 2020 Julie Teigland

How can Europe reset the investment agenda now to rebuild its future?

COVID-19 has slowed foreign investment in Europe, but there’s still cause for optimism, according to EY’s latest Attractiveness survey.

28 May 2020 Julie Teigland +2

How can the EU Green Deal redefine sustainable growth globally?

The circular economy will help the EU boost its competitiveness and change the world for better.

13 Jan 2020 EY Global

How can Europe raise its game?

Foreign direct investment into Europe declined in 2018 – but a strengthened skills base and infrastructure, especially in digital, will keep it ahead of the game.

04 Jun 2019 Andy Baldwin +2

    Webcast: tariffs’ impact on industrial and energy sector

    Panelists share insights on how tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty affect supply chains in the industrial and energy sectors.

    Container ship in import export and business logistic

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