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

Video Series - The Geostrategic Edge

Ireland at the Crossroads: Thriving Amid Global Shifts

Ireland faces global turbulence in 2026. Learn how Irish businesses can build resilience, agility, and foresight to thrive in a fragmented economy.

Simon MacAllister + 1

How Irish CEOs are building resilience in a world of tariffs, tech shifts, and uncertainty

Irish CEOs balance optimism and caution in 2025, navigating tariffs, tech shifts, and global uncertainty to build resilience in their organizations.

Aidan Meagher + 1

Turning volatility into opportunity for Irish business

Discover how Irish businesses can leverage geopolitical changes to create opportunities in a volatile trade landscape.

Simon MacAllister + 1

Ireland: focus on opportunity despite global uncertainty

Tune in to our latest episode of Geostrategic Edge hosted by Aidan Meagher with guest panellist, Simon Coveney.

Aidan Meagher

Why Irish pharma must prepare for a new era in U.S. trade policy

Irish pharma faces new U.S. trade policies, including potential tariffs and pricing reforms. Preparing for these changes is crucial for future success.

Aidan Meagher + 1

The team

Aidan Meagher

Co-Head of Geopolitical Strategy. EY Ireland Tax Partner and Life Sciences Tax and Law Lead

Thought leader. Experienced in the Life Sciences and Consumer Goods sectors.

Dublin, Ireland

Simon MacAllister

Partner, Co-Head of Geopolitical Strategy EY Ireland

Dad and husband. Corporate finance professional. DIY bodger. Enthusiastic but only modestly talented hockey umpire and triathlete!

Dublin, Ireland

Deirdre Hogan

EY Ireland Indirect Tax Partner

Passionate about building relationships. Firmly believes people still do business with people. Enjoys working with purpose. Excited about innovation. Loves to run.

Dublin, Ireland

Colin Doolin

Indirect Tax - Global Trade Partner

Experienced Global Trade professional, extensive work with Health Sciences & Wellness sector, avid tourist along with family of 3 wonderful ladies

Dublin, Ireland

Dr. Loretta O’Sullivan

EY Ireland Chief Economist and Partner

Experienced economics professional. Art Deco and Art Nouveau design enthusiast.

Dublin, Ireland

Aoife Murray

EY Ireland Transfer Pricing Partner

Strong advocate for diversity and inclusion across all we do. Deals with transfer pricing across a wide range of industries.

Dublin, Ireland

Ronan Guest

EY Ireland Business Consulting Partner

Passionate about developing world class sustainable Supply Chains, and making Procurement a trusted business advisor and value enabler.

Limerick, Ireland

Johanna McLoughlin

EY Ireland Consulting Partner and Life Sciences Sector Leader

Life Sciences Leader. Growth mindset. Partners with clients across the end-to-end value chain to deliver greater innovation, better health outcomes and improved business performance.

Dublin, Ireland

Grit Young

EY-Parthenon Partner and EY Ireland Technology, Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications Industry Leader

Empathic and analytical. Anything is possible.

Dublin, Ireland

Colette Devey

EY Ireland Partner Risk Consulting, Chief Risk Officer and Consumer Products, Retail and Agriculture Sector Leader

Helping businesses navigate uncertainty and build trust. Recognised for bringing fresh perspectives on the Risk, Internal Controls, and Internal Audit functions of the future. Chief Risk Officer for EY Ireland. Consumer sector lead – working with business across the Agri, CP and Retail sub-sectors.

Dublin, Ireland

Feargal de Freine

EY Ireland Assurance Partner and Head of FDI

Dedicated to achieving excellence across all aspects.

Dublin, Ireland

Frank O'Neill

EY Ireland Tax Partner and EY Private Sector Leader

Business leader supporting private and entrepreneurial businesses accelerate growth in this transformative age. Rugby enthusiast, dog walker and occasional runner.

Helena O’Dwyer

EY Ireland Partner; Head of Strategy EY-Parthenon

A strategy consultant. Focused on business transformation and cutting edge innovation for the now, next and beyond.

Dublin, Ireland

Our latest thinking

Indirect taxes and global trade

Our indirect tax and global trade team can help your business strategically meet its tax obligations and resolve tax controversy. Find out more.
Read more
Excise tax services

Our excise tax professionals can help your business reduce its risk, enhance compliance and build a unified tax strategy. Find out more.
Read more
Indirect tax compliance

Our indirect tax compliance service professionals can help you meet your compliance obligations and business goals around the world. Find out how.
Read more
Corporate, commercial and SME banking services

Our Corporate, Commercial and SME (CCSB) Banking services team can help your business navigate through rising market expectation. Learn more.
Read more

Tariff turbulence: five actions businesses should take after the US Supreme Court ruling

The Supreme Court’s tariff ruling marks an important shift for businesses navigating global trade. Explore five practical actions companies can take to understand implications and stay prepared as trade policy continues to evolve.

Read more (via EY.com US)

EY Global Trade Updates

TradeWatch 1, 2026 Global Insights
Americas Insights
Asia-Pacific Insights
EMEIA Insights
TradeFlash February, 2026

Container terminal with large container ship at dusk

TradeWatch Global Insights

As global trade continues to shift at pace, geopolitics is increasingly shaping how companies trade, invest and operate. Trade professionals are navigating a landscape defined by new agreements, heightened regulatory risk and rapidly evolving operating models.

This issue explores how recent EU trade deals are reshaping market access, while sanctions expansion and automation are changing how businesses manage risk and execution across global trade operations.

Download full report

Port logistics stacks wooden cargo crates at a container terminal

TradeWatch Americas Insights

Under our Americas chapter, focus is on:

AEO program in Brazil: new certification levels may bring competitive advantage
Heightened scrutiny in Mexico: new materiality requirements and mandatory electronic customs valuation reporting

Download full report

Download Americas insights

Female warehouse worker looking at packages

TradeWatch Asia-Pacific Insights

The Asia-Pacific chapter focuses on the following key issues:

Australia: moving to strengthen trade protections as Anti-Dumping Commission takes control of safeguard measures
Japan 2026 tax reform: abolition of 60% valuation rule and new domestic JCT framework on low-value goods
Japan: signing of the Japan–Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement

Download full report

Download Asia-Pacific Insights

Tanker vessel sailing open seas into port on the gulf of Mexico

TradeWatch EMEIA Insights

Under the EMEIA chapter, authors focus on:

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program: trust-based trade facilitation
Duty deferred, growth unleashed: the MOOWR revolution for Make in India
EU-CBAM enters into force as authorization deadline approaches
EUDR at the gates: key customs, tax and supply-chain considerations
Reforming the EU Customs Union for e-commerce
Saudi Arabia introduces Voluntary Disclosure controls with full waiver of customs violations
The EU’s overhaul of customs supervision in the era of explosive e-commerce growth and digitalization
The EU–Mercosur Agreement: tariff policy opportunities, legal ambiguities and practical limitations

Download full report

Download EMEIA Insights

Container terminal with large container ship

TradeFlash February 2026

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 articles, alerts, webcasts and podcasts covering key trade topics, with a focus on supply chain resilience, tariff policy developments, sustainability‑driven regulation, technology‑enabled compliance, and shifts in global economic alliances.

Download full report

Previous TradeWatch and TradeFlash editions

TradeWatch 2, 2025

Download edition

TradeFlash July, 2025

Download edition

TradeWatch 1, 2025

Download edition

TradeFlash Feb, 2025

Download edition

TradeWatch 3, 2024

Download edition

TradeWatch 2, 2024

Download edition

On the agenda (4)

Skip

west

Global tax reform

Featured: How a decade of transparency forever changed the tax world

Tax leaders’ agenda

Featured: Why five years of transforming tax and finance functions is paying off

GCO agenda

Featured: The General Counsel Imperative: How the law department is key in unlocking your sustainability strategy

Public policy

Featured: How can Ireland successfully adapt as the FDI landscape evolves?

east

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