Global Scans · Trade · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Global trade policies could be upended with a new President in the White House, Brexit, a potential break-up of the European Union and China reacting to these changes in profound ways.

• [New] NOBO and Applied Blockchain have completed Phase 1 participation in the Bank of England's Digital Pound Lab, designing and delivering a payment workflow to explore how conditional business-to-business payments could support more efficient and accessible cross-border trade finance for SMEs. Finextra Research
• [New] Supply Chain Stability Threatened by New Tariff Regime - Global Brands Must Step Up to Protect Workers, Human Rights Experts Warn. Greenpeace
• [New] As global trade remains unstable-creating new risks for labour rights - and tuna populations face mounting pressure from overfishing, climate change, and the potential expansion of deep-sea mining, retailers have an urgent responsibility to act now. Greenpeace
• [New] By disrupting navigation systems in the Strait of Hormuz - a chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil passes - Iran can signal that it has the capability to threaten global trade and energy flows without immediately launching a full military blockade. CYFIRMA
• [New] While global trade in 2025 remained largely resilient, the impact of US tariffs and countermeasures is expected to further materialize in 2026. Baker McKenzie
• [New] The Middle East conflict poses an energy shock risk, while abrupt changes in tariffs create trade-related volatility. crisil
• [New] Trade policy is evolving - and 2026 will demand preparation, agility, and strategic foresight. Eventbrite
• [New] Any escalation involving Iran's primary export terminal - or an extended disruption to shipping through Hormuz - could send shockwaves through global energy markets and maritime trade. gCaptain
• [New] The warning that the United States could reconsider that restraint if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is threatened underscores the central role maritime trade now plays in the escalating crisis. gCaptain
• [New] While diversification offers opportunities, geography and established supply chains continue to favor the U.S., keeping Mexico exposed to North American trade policy shifts. Mexico News Daily
• [New] The IMF has already revised downward its medium-term outlook for the diamond sector and warned that U.S. tariffs could further weaken already fragile export prospects. Ecofin Agency
• [New] The US has threatened a trade embargo against Spain, which it threatened last year, as well, over Madrid's refusal to adhere to the defence spending agreed at NATO. Marc to Market
• [New] Markets with abundant solar resources such as the Middle East and Australia are expected to produce hydrogen at lower costs compared to regions relying on imported renewable electricity. openpr
• [New] With ongoing digital transformation and policy support, the trade finance sector is expected to become more efficient, inclusive, and globally integrated in the coming years. openpr
• [New] India now has FTAs with more than half of the world's top importers, and the share of trade with FTA partners is expected to rise to two-thirds following a potential US FTA. crisil
• [New] Geopolitical tensions domestically and across the globe threaten to limit attendance and potentially hinder events from occurring, which would impact trade show operators' profit margins and negatively affect the global economy. Trade Show News Network
• [New] In response to trade policy shifts, US companies are actively seeking suppliers beyond traditional hubs like China, expanding into Southeast Asia and Latin America to secure new taste profiles and mitigate risk. flavorist.com
• [New] International trade tensions, cybersecurity findings, or legislative changes could influence Canada's future position. The Woman in the Yard
• [New] Trade teams are navigating tariff uncertainty, preparations for the HS 2027 Harmonized System update, expanding forced labour enforcement, carbon compliance requirements, and stricter pre-arrival data expectations - often at the same time. Supply Chain Software | Strategic Digital Supply Chain
• Recent moves have seen tariff rates climb higher than J.P. Morgan Global Research had anticipated, with the U.S. effective tariff rate now expected to be approaching 20%. J.P. MORGAN
• Canadian businesses that export CUSMA-compliant goods will continue to benefit from the CUSMA with respect to the new import surcharge, subject to compliance with applicable origin and documentation requirements. PwC
• China's March outlook is front-loaded with activity, inflation and trade releases that can quickly set the regional risk tone. GO Markets
• Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to Nato ally Greenland have, however, significantly increased support for joining the EU in both countries. The Week

Last updated: 19 March 2026