International trade: Your roadmap to export success in 2026

Global trade is undergoing profound disruption. For businesses, 2026 will be a pivotal year where agility, diversification, and anticipation are key to export success.

On April 2, 2025, the United States introduced “reciprocal tariffs,” sparking renewed trade tensions, especially with China. This “Liberation Day” destabilized global supply chains and increased market uncertainty. Although recent agreements have eased tensions slightly, tariff volatility remains high.

The Global Trade Survey 2025 has gathered insights from around 4,500 companies across nine major economies, on the outlook for international trade and shows a steep decline in exporter confidence: less than half expect export growth in the coming year, compared to 80% before “Liberation Day.”

New opportunities are emerging, and proactive businesses are adjusting their strategies. We offer concrete measures to help you navigate today’s uncertainty effectively.

Since the April 2025 tariff hikes, export expectations have dropped significantly: 42% of businesses anticipate revenue declines. In this recessionary climate, flexible planning and updated forecasts are vital, particularly in sensitive sectors like automotive and industrial equipment.

With tariffs rising and exchange rates fluctuating, 27% of companies consider to temporarily halt production. To adapt, conduct regular audits, invest in automation, and explore nearshoring to strengthen supply chains.

Payment delays are increasing, raising the risk of defaults. To protect your cash flow, renegotiate terms, consider trade credit insurance and diversify financing sources.

To mitigate tariffs and strengthen resilience, adopt a supply chain strategy based on pre-shipping, rerouting, and price adjustments. Consider DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Incoterms, include pricing clauses in contracts and consider our surety solutions.

The survey shows one-third of companies are already diversifying – looking for new markets both to export to and receive supply from – and almost two thirds are planning to do so. Western Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia are becoming key strategic regions.

As businesses look to expand globally in 2026, they’re having to navigate considerable uncertainty. Still, opportunities remain for those who plan strategically, adapt quickly, and diversify effectively. By staying proactive rather than reactive, you can tackle tariff turmoil with confidence and turn international trade volatility to your advantage.