The 2020s have been a difficult decade for global trade. The supply chain shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, increased Sino-American competition, unprecedented G7 sanctions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have all affected global trade flows. Whilst growth in international trade volumes had been slowing since 2011 (according to the OECD), the 2020s have seen a marked acceleration of that trend. In 2023, The World Bank estimated that trade in goods shrank by two percent, the sharpest contraction (outside of a recession) this century.
This critical conversation will cover:
What does a greater elision of trade and security policy mean for the future of global free trade?
How can multilateral trading organisations be reformed to deal with trade disputes more effectively in an era of greater geopolitical competition?
What are the key international flash points which might affect global trade in the near term, including developments in Ukraine and the Middle East?
Western economies, led by the US have pioneered new national industrial strategies for reasons of climate and economic inclusion. How will this affect global value chains?
