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

Tariffs are here: what companies need to do now

The Trump administration implemented its first round of tariffs, originally slated to take effect February 4, on imports from Canada, China and Mexico.

05 Feb 2025 | your local time

Preparing your operating model for expected trade shifts

Join panelists on the ins and outs of trade policy and its impact on companies’ supply-chain and operating model effectiveness.

22 Jan 2025 | your local time

Tips for manufacturers to prepare for President Trump's trade policies

Preparing now will help manufacturers adapt to potential changes in international trade policies.

09 Jan 2025 Al Paul +2

Preparing operating model for potential trade shifts

In this webcast, panelists discuss the ins and outs of trade policy and its impact on companies’ supply-chain and operating model effectiveness.

12 Dec 2024 | your local time

2024 Geostrategic Outlook

In this webcast, panelists discuss the top 10 geopolitical risks for 2024 and the associated business opportunities and challenges. Learn more.

23 Jan 2024 | your local time

EU CBAM compliance and broader considerations

In this webcast, panelists discuss EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) compliance and broader strategic considerations. Learn more.

04 Oct 2023 | your local time

What to know about trading venue management

Firms are facing heightened regulatory expectations. Learn more

18 Sep 2023 Robert Mara

8 ways interest rates affect transfer pricing

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

04 Sep 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

International trade gender gap

his EY podcast talks about why the international trade gender gap needs to close faster and some of the leading practice being deployed. Learn more.

31 Jul 2023 47m 13s

Refocusing on the global trade functional organization

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

29 Jun 2023 Lynlee Brown +1

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 sustainability is shaping global indirect tax

Indirect tax leaders need to not only comply but spot the opportunities in the ever-evolving group of sustainability taxes and incentives. Find out more.

19 Jun 2023 EY Global

How disruption can shape 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 Americas

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 Sally Jones

How to navigate global sustainability compliance challenges

Staying ahead of ESG regulations on a global scale can be a challenge but, businesses cannot risk falling behind on supply chain policies. Learn more.

04 May 2023 EY Global

How to prepare for upcoming combined royalty changes

CFOs and tax functions may be inclined to treat customs issues as peripheral to their critical workload, but they must pay attention. Learn more.

13 Apr 2023 EY Global

How to navigate the sustainability tax landscape

In this episode of EY Tax and Law in Focus, we explore why the tax function is particularly well-placed to shape sustainable business practice and policy. Listen more.

03 Feb 2023 41m 40s

Case study: How geopolitical insights build resiliency

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

How COVID-19 impacted supply chains and what comes next

Research shows severe disruption through the pandemic is driving enterprises to make their supply chains more resilient, collaborative and networked.

06 Jan 2023 Sean Harapko

    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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