Join government officials, global business and civil society leaders to explore strategies for navigating economic uncertainty in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Policymakers, business leaders and civil society experts at the heart of global trade find themselves in a period of great uncertainty. To some, this is an environment of ‘strategic chaos’. To others, this period represents something fundamentally more concerning that threatens to send repeated shockwaves across the global economy. As the second Trump administration reshapes the US approach to international commerce, the multilateral trading system and the norms that have dominated this environment for decades face a severe test. The World Trade Organization, among others, is fighting to maintain a rules-based order, but escalating trade wars and economic nationalism increasingly challenge the principles of open markets. Meanwhile, the intersection of national security and economic policy is fundamentally altering how nations and multinationals approach their international partnerships and critical supply chains.

This turbulent environment has created both opportunities and vulnerabilities for major and emerging economies. Major Asian markets are positioning themselves to leverage their distinct advantages to accelerate their economic growth. Meanwhile, European nations are grappling with national and supranational demands, while seeking to balance competitiveness and resilience for their increasingly restive populations. The implications of this strategic realignment extend far beyond traditional trade metrics, too. Supply chains have become instruments of national security policy, technological advancement is driving new forms of economic competition, and the fight for critical materials will have a major effect on global climate commitments. As businesses and governments navigate this uncertain landscape, the question remains whether any stakeholder truly benefits from the current trajectory of global trade or whether divides and imbalances will become more entrenched to the detriment of the global economy.

The 2026 Global Trade Conference examines key developments in global trade policy, exploring how major economies are adapting to a world where economic security often outweighs free trade principles and whether the multilateral system can withstand the pressures of growing fragmentation.