Trends Transforming Trade

Exploring Nature and Connections to Global Trade

The Bee Series explores the intersections between nature, ecosystems, and global trade, highlighting their relevance to the 2026 Festival of Inclusive Trade and the global climate and biodiversity agendas. Bees provide a unique lens to examine how ecological systems underpin food security, commerce, and supply chains. Through their journeys and pollination work, we see the deep interconnections between natural systems and trade networks—and why protecting these connections matters to economies, communities, and the planet.

In today’s interconnected world, Governments and industry need innovative platforms that bring together diverse stakeholders—policymakers, business leaders, creative professionals, and community representatives—to collaborate on shared priorities.

The Festival of Inclusive Trade demonstrates the power of such an approach. By creating Showcase Days, the Festival offers a curated, high-impact forum that integrates sector-specific panels, workshops, keynote dialogues, and cultural presentations. These events provide governments with a mechanism to advance policy objectives, while enabling industry and business to contribute practical expertise, drive innovation, and form strategic partnerships.

Supply-chain watchers and global trade enthusiasts — here is your latest snapshot of what’s shaking the world of goods, ports, and pipelines. Over the last four days, we’ve seen movements that could ripple across every port, warehouse, and boardroom from New York to Nairobi. Let’s break it down.

Did you know if you are in the US your favourite Italian pasta could soon cost a lot more in the U.S.? Recent trade decisions are creating ripples all the way from Rome to your pantry.

The Bee Series explores the intersections between nature, ecosystems, and global trade, highlighting their relevance to COP30 and the 2026 Festival of Inclusive Trade. As nations gather at COP30 to advance climate action, biodiversity conservation, and resilient food systems, bees offer a tangible lens to examine how ecological health underpins both environmental and economic sustainability.

This disclaimer (https://shorturl.at/l6Nhzis) a textbook example of an essential tool in your E-Commerce Survival Toolkit for U.S. customers, hitting the perfect balance between legal precision, operational clarity, and customer-friendly communication:

Event: Trade between Chile and Thailand: Opportunities for Growth in ASEAN
Date: Nov 4, 2025
Host: Chile Pacific Foundation
Register: here

Trade isn’t just for the big players. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of global economies—and the key to making trade truly inclusive. Yet, despite decades of globalisation, benefits of international trade often bypass small businesses, women entrepreneurs, Indigenous communities, and other historically underserved groups. It’s like throwing a party and forgetting to invite half the guests. Inclusive trade policy fixes that.

Regional Achievements & Trade Upgrades

· ASEAN leaders reaffirmed commitments to trade integration, digital and green economy growth, and supply-chain resilience under the summit theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

· The bloc welcomed East Timor as its newest member — first expansion since the 1990s.

· ASEAN completed upgrades to major trade agreements:

o ACFTA 3.0 with China (covering digital economy and green industries).

o ATIGA Protocol 2, reinforcing intra-ASEAN trade.

The GTPA is thrilled to announce the return of the Festival of Inclusive Trade for 2026! After a brief pause, the Festival is back reaffirming our commitment to building a more inclusive, sustainable and trusted global trading system. Returning to its online-only format, the 2026 Festival will take place over two impactful weeks in March 2026, welcoming a vibrant mix of voices from across the world.

Global trade has entered a period defined by complexity, volatility, digital acceleration, and rising customer expectations. Supply chain disruptions have surged—skyrocketing nearly 500% during the pandemic era—and even in 2024–2025, businesses continue to face geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, stricter compliance rules, growing e-commerce competition, and fragmented supply routes. At the same time, cross-border e-commerce continues to expand, with global online sales projected to surpass US$6 trillion in the mid-2020s.

In our last article, we explored how migrant entrepreneurs power small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), foster innovation, and sustain global trade. Today, we dive into real-life examples that show this impact in action—proof that diversity, resilience, and creativity are the engines of economic growth.

The world of global trade is both exciting and unpredictable. For small and medium-sized businesses, and online sellers, it’s a landscape filled with incredible opportunity—but also challenges that can test even the most experienced entrepreneurs. From supply chain disruptions and rising logistics costs to changing customer expectations and complex trade regulations, navigating this environment requires more than ambition—it requires knowledge, strategy, and foresight.

In 2025, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a turbulent global shipping landscape marked by unpredictable cost fluctuations. Geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies have introduced significant volatility, making it challenging for SMEs to maintain stable cash flow and operational efficiency.

Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies take to the skies, leaving the forests of North America to travel thousands of miles to the mountains of central Mexico. Their journey is dangerous—storms, predators, and exhaustion all threaten to halt them—but they move forward anyway, drawn by the promise of survival and continuity. Their wings are a quiet testament to resilience, persistence, and the invisible threads that connect ecosystems across continents.

SMEs are the heartbeat of our economies. They create jobs. Build communities. Fuel dreams.

But here’s what’s often overlooked: migrants have been the secret engine behind many of these businesses. From 19th-century marketplaces to today’s global tech hubs, migrant entrepreneurs have turned challenges into opportunity.

(Week ending 17 October 2025 — verified, sourced & globally aligned)

If last week was “Trade Wars: The Sequel,” this one felt more like “Fast & Furious — Tariff Drift.” From Washington to Beijing, New Delhi to Wellington, the trade headlines were full of big moves, bold statements, and a few diplomatic facepalms.

Here’s your fact-checked, espresso-fuelled global trade wrap.

At the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meeting in London, a significant setback occurred for global climate initiatives as the proposed global carbon tax on shipping emissions was delayed by a year. This decision came after intense lobbying from the United States, and support from countries like Saudi Arabia.

(Week ending 5 October 2025 — verified, sourced, and only mildly caffeinated)

If you thought the global trade landscape was finally calming down… think again.
This update is just from the week ending 5 October, but another round of tariff moves, currency plays, and strategic alliances that kept policymakers — and supply chains — on edge.

In the past fortnight, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide have navigated a dynamic landscape of export opportunities, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reshaping global trade in 2025 with creativity, resilience, and innovation. From Finland’s €3.6 billion gaming exports to Vietnamese coffee cooperatives brewing global success, SMEs are proving that local ideas can capture international markets. This month’s trade highlights showcase how businesses across every continent—whether producing wine in South Africa, maple syrup in Canada, or sustainable cosmetics in New Zealand—are leveraging heritage, sustainability, and technology to scale globally. Together, these stories illustrate how SMEs are not just competing in global trade—they’re leading it.

Botswana, traditionally known as Africa's diamond powerhouse, is making a strategic pivot. In September 2025, the government unveiled a citizenship-by-investment program aimed at reducing its heavy reliance on diamond exports and fostering economic diversification.

London, 20 November 2025 — GTR (Global Trade Review) is set to bring together trade, export and infrastructure finance leaders at GTR Africa 2025 London, recognised as the UK’s premier event focused on Africa-centred trade and financing.

With an expected attendance of over 500 industry professionals, the conference offers an ideal platform to forge meaningful connections, exchange insights, and explore new opportunities in African trade.

This series examines how the sudden tightening of U.S. H-1B visas is reshaping the global flow of talent, trade, and investment, and why countries and businesses must act boldly to seize the opportunity.

In September 2025, Turkmenistan unveiled an ambitious plan to modernise its transport infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and efficiency across the nation. The strategy includes upgrading railways, expanding road networks, and developing ports to facilitate smoother trade routes.

On October 1, 2025, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—officially launched their Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This landmark pact is poised to reshape trade dynamics between the two regions, offering economic benefits, job creation, and a touch of Swiss indulgence.

Canada has officially stepped onto the Southeast Asian stage. With its first-ever bilateral trade agreement with an ASEAN nation—Indonesia—Canada is not just opening doors; it’s rolling out the red carpet for Canadian businesses.

On 29 September 2025, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked a significant milestone in their economic relationship with the activation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This landmark agreement is poised to enhance trade, investment, and cooperation between the two nations.

The U.S. may be retreating from global talent, but the opportunity for businesses worldwide is enormous. Startups, multinational corporations, and investors who move decisively can gain a first-mover advantage in innovation, markets, and trade.

Week ending 27 September 2025

If global trade was a TV series, this week felt like a crossover episode: WTO forecasting an AI-powered future, China making dramatic trade policy moves, the U.S. dropping tariffs like Oprah handing out cars… and some surprisingly good news for shippers.

Here’s what went down — fact-checked, sourced, and a little ridiculous.

In 2025, Brazil has positioned itself as a dominant force in the global soybean market, capitalising on shifting trade dynamics and strategic partnerships. This shift has significant implications for U.S. soybean exports, which have faced challenges due to ongoing trade tensions with China.

Global trade has always followed resources — from oil and steel to semiconductors and data. But in today’s economy, the most valuable resource is talent. Where skilled people go, capital, supply chains, and investment follow.

The U.S. decision to isolate itself through restrictive visa policies has opened the door for new global trade corridors, built not just on goods but on knowledge, research, and innovation.

The recent article highlighting small-scale manufacturers in Sacramento underscores a critical truth: the future of American production—and global competitiveness—depends not just on large factories, but on the vibrant ecosystem of small manufacturers that support them. From artisan crafts to advanced components, small-scale manufacturers form the backbone of supply chains, driving innovation, workforce development, and local economic growth.

This Saturday, the CEO of GTPA  the pleasure of attending the inaugural Australian Native Food Festival at Sydney’s Carriageworks, and I have to say—it was absolutely fantastic. Curated by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, founder of Indigiearth, the festival brought together over 20 Indigenous vendors, native food stalls, and immersive cultural experiences.

The payoff from attracting global talent is enormous — not just for innovation, but for global trade and investment flows. Skilled immigrants generate new industries, expand markets, and attract foreign capital. When talent builds companies, investors follow; when research hubs thrive, supply chains reorganize around them.

Argentina has faced recurring economic crises, leading to multiple interventions by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Since joining the IMF in 1956, Argentina has entered 23 financial arrangements, making it the most frequent recipient of IMF assistance globally. The latest agreement, approved in April 2025, provides Argentina with a $20 billion loan to stabilise its economy amid soaring inflation and a depreciating currency.

With the U.S. suddenly pricing out global talent, the opportunity is truly global. Every continent can act to attract skilled workers, researchers, and entrepreneurs — but the strategies and advantages differ by region.

On Friday, the United States made it dramatically harder to bring in the very people who keep its tech industry, hospitals, and universities running. A sudden $100,000 fee slapped on new H-1B visa applications has blindsided employers. Startups that budgeted for one engineer suddenly face an extra six-figure bill. Universities trying to recruit top postdocs now confront costs larger than some annual research grants. Hospitals that depend on international doctors and nurses will be scrambling to plug gaps with expensive short-term contractors.

Global trade has never looked more like a rollercoaster: a strange mix of tech-fuelled optimism, geopolitical chess moves, and tariff headaches. Last week is no exception. From the WTO’s bold claims that AI could transform the world economy, to China and the U.S. sparring over chips, to the EU finally sealing a deal with Indonesia after nearly a decade of haggling—trade headlines are swinging between the ridiculous and the real. For SMEs and export advisors, the challenge isn’t just keeping up, but knowing which twists will hit their shipments, margins, and compliance requirements next.

For decades, global trade strategy was primarily seen as an extension of market strategy—expanding into new regions, identifying customer bases abroad, and optimizing supply chains to serve them. However, the past few years have dramatically reshaped how companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must approach global trade.

The shift didn’t happen overnight, but key milestones mark the turning point.