Editorial
International trade is losing steam, even as the global economy continues to grow at a moderate pace. The culprits? Reshoring and de-globalization are making headlines. Countries have ramped up tariffs, and business leaders seem hesitant about striking new trade deals. The once-vibrant appetite for globalization appears to be waning.
But let’s not jump to conclusions. Reshoring and de-globalization aren’t instant transformations—they’re slow, incremental shifts. Complete de-globalization isn’t likely anytime soon. What we’re witnessing is a rebalancing act. Trade will likely keep growing, albeit slower than overall economic expansion.
So, what does this mean? It’s time to dig deeper. In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we explore the evolving trade landscape:
The Middle East’s Emerging Role: How this region is becoming pivotal in global trade dynamics.
Asia’s Interconnected Networks: The resilience of Asia’s trade patterns amidst geopolitical challenges.
Free Trade Archetypes: How countries align with trade agreements and what that means for their economies.
Asia’s Manufacturing Edge: The region’s continued dominance in exports, even with de-globalization looming.
The Digital Transformation Imperative: Why global competitiveness depends on tech-driven productivity.
The Gender Gap in Trade: Why closing it faster is essential for a balanced global economy.
The world of trade is evolving, not dissolving. And with evolution comes conversation. Let’s explore these shifts together. What trends do you see in your region? Where do you think the opportunities lie?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s keep the dialogue going.
Laurent THOMAS
Chairman Consulting Quest
This week’s must read
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we explore how regions contribute to global trade, the challenges they face, and the opportunities to adapt amid shifting geopolitics and policies.
Oliver Wyman’s article, “Navigating The Future Of Trade And Rise Of The Middle East,” examines the region’s pivotal role in emerging global trade dynamics. It highlights the Middle East’s potential to enhance intraregional trade and influence global supply chains. For a comprehensive understanding of these transformative trends, read the full article.
This week’s media
Asia’s geopolitical diversity and its deeply interconnected trade networks are reshaping trade patterns across the region. McKinsey Global Institute’s Jeongmin Seong provides an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical forces driving these changes. To understand how these dynamics are influencing the future of trade in Asia, watch the full video.
Thought Leadership
Goldman Sachs’ article, “Global Trade Is Showing Resilience Despite Rising Barriers,” reveals that, contrary to deglobalization concerns, Asia continues to expand its share in global manufacturing and exports. This trend underscores the enduring strength of global trade networks. For a comprehensive analysis, read the full article.
Kearney’s article, “Capturing the Growth of Indonesia’s Digital Trade Sector,” examines the country’s trade landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and the transformative potential of digitalization. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive digital transformation to enhance productivity and global competitiveness. For an in-depth analysis, read the full article.
Boston Consulting Group’s article, “Economies Benefiting Most from Free Trade Agreements,” categorizes countries into archetypes based on their engagement with free trade agreements, analysing how these agreements influence economic growth and trade flows. For a deeper understanding of these dynamics, read the full article.
This EY article, “Why the Gender Gap in International Trade Needs to Close Faster,” reveals that women lead only 15% of businesses engaged in global trade. At the current pace of policy reform, closing this gap could take over a century. Accelerating this process is crucial for economic growth and equality. For a comprehensive analysis, read the full article.
This week’s consulting news selection
Moore Kingston Smith welcomes Statham Gill Davies to form Moore SGD Law in 2025, expanding legal services for businesses and individuals, including corporate law, private client expertise, and immigration services.|
L.E.K. expands GCC presence with new offices in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Manama, enhancing support for key sectors like education, healthcare, transport, and financial services.|
Accenture acquires AOX, a German firm specializing in embedded automotive software, to enhance its capabilities in supporting the transition to software-defined vehicles with scalable, high-performance solutions.|
Oliver Wyman appoints Jim Murphy, former Queensland Treasury Under Treasurer, as Senior Advisor to enhance government and public sector consulting in Australia, leveraging his extensive public and private sector expertise.|
Laurent is the Chairman and Co-founder of Consulting Quest. Focused on greater value creation, and being thoroughly familiar with Consulting, Laurent has sourced and sold millions of dollars worth of Consulting over the course of his career. Prior to joining Consulting Quest, Laurent was Executive Vice President Oil and Gas at Solvay and Senior Partner Transformation at Oliver Wyman.
