#USA #Global Trade #DP World #Davos #Trade Growth

Global Trade Leaders Show Unwavering Optimism Despite Increasing Barriers

The landscape of global trade may appear precarious, yet confidence among business leaders remains robust, according to the latest findings from DP World's Global Trade Observatory (GTO). In a report unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a staggering 94% of trade executives surveyed anticipate that trade growth will either match or exceed the levels seen in 2025, despite the looming challenges of higher tariffs, rising costs, and persistent political uncertainty.

Key Findings from the Survey

The comprehensive survey encompassed 3,500 executives from supply chain and logistics sectors across 19 countries and eight industries. The results indicate that 54% of these leaders expect trade growth to accelerate compared to 2025, while another 40% foresee stability in trade growth. Interestingly, in the face of high political uncertainty—cited by 53% of respondents—only 25% expressed concern over potentially negative impacts on their businesses. In fact, 49% do not expect any adverse effects, and 26% even anticipate positive outcomes.

This optimistic sentiment stands in stark contrast to certain macroeconomic forecasts, which suggest that trade growth (by volume) may decline from an estimated 3.6% in 2025 to just 2.3% in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

When asked where they see the greatest potential for trade growth in 2026, respondents pointed to Europe (22%) and China (17%), followed by the Asia-Pacific region (14%) and North America (13%). Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, emphasized the growing complexity of global commerce, stating that the company is committed to facilitating trade by identifying friction points and investing in infrastructure that enhances efficiency for clients.

Adapting to a Changing Environment

In response to growing volatility, the GTO report highlights that companies are actively reshaping their supply chains and trade routes. Leading strategies for 2026 include:

• - Supplier Diversification (51%): Reducing reliance on a single source to mitigate risks.
• - Increased Inventory Levels (44%): Holding more stock to buffer against disruptions.
• - Friend-Shoring Initiatives (36%): Prioritizing relationships with countries that are politically aligned.

Additionally, 26% of companies plan to explore new transport routes, driven primarily by cost savings (38%) and enhanced connectivity (36%).

Challenges remain, particularly concerning customs processes, with 60% citing these as a major cause of delays. Consequently, businesses are prioritizing investments in logistics and warehousing centers (39%), road networks (36%), and border processing infrastructure (36%).

The DP World GTO serves as an insightful platform that delivers actionable intelligence to decision-makers, helping them navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities within global trade. Embarking on this ambitious journey requires resilience, transparency, and proactive strategies to adapt to shifting market dynamics. As we move closer to 2026, businesses that integrate these principles into their operations will likely emerge as the frontrunners in a future marked by uncertainty but also ripe with potential for growth.

As the world of trade continues to expand, DP World aims to redefine the future of international commerce, ensuring streamlined supply chain solutions that are equipped to handle disruptions at every stage, from production to delivery.