In recent years, global trade has faced major geopolitical headwinds, including trade wars and economic decoupling, particularly between the US and China. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, exposing vulnerabilities and catalysing localised production. Rising protectionism has led to a spike in tariffs and other restrictions, undermining free trade principles, and today, the WTO’s dispute resolution mechanism lies broken. Technological competition and sanctions have further complicated global trade relations while climate policies and divergent sustainability goals are reshaping trade priorities. Donald Trump’s re-election only adds new complexities to the equation. 

At a recent India CEO Forum session in Hyderabad, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Founding Dean of the Kautilya School of Public Policy, provided a medium-term outlook for world trade, with a focus on the strategic imperatives for India and businesses operating in the country. This podcast summarises these discussions.