Trade Under Siege
– How Is ICC Stepping Up?

Since President Trump took office on 20 January, the growing geopolitical tensions of the past few years have escalated, placing the global trade system itself in the crosshairs.  Tariffs are being announced, implemented, or paused at an almost whiplash-inducing speed. A trade war is looming, and the stability and predictability businesses need are seemingly gone.

In this turmoil, ICC continues to stand firm in advocating trade as a driver of prosperity, and peace, and sustainable development. We lead the efforts to safeguard the global trade system – underpinned by the World Trade Organization (WTO) – which enables trade worth trillions of dollars every year, fuels economic growth and fosters opportunities for businesses, nations, and individuals alike. Conversely, escalating trade conflicts, such as the tariff threats from the U.S., risk plunging the global economy into a crisis worse than the Great Depression.

But we are not just sounding the alarm – we are taking action and working towards tangible solutions. We are driving initiatives that do not require global consensus but still have a significant impact on companies engaging in international trade: enabling digital trade documents, streamlining customs procedures, and boosting trade finance access for SMEs.

Read more about our response to the current developments below.