Volatile trade outlook
Global trade faces uncertainty as geopolitical tensions, shifting policies, and protectionism disrupt markets and alliances.
- by Calvin Daniels
September 19, 2025
key points from this story:
- Trade predictions now highly uncertain.
- Global shift from free trade cooperation.
- US moves toward protectionist policies.
- Putin’s actions destabilize international trade.
- Gaza war heightens Middle East risks.
- China’s tariffs and alliances add volatility.
Imagine being one of those people who must anticipate what will happen in terms of trade these days. Certainly one can no doubt make educated predictions but the current reality is so volatile any suggestion of what will occur in terms of trade in 30-days seems like it might be more a guess, and only more uncertain the farther forward one looks. It was not long ago the world seemed largely focused on creating ever freer trade, and alliances came together to work on trade deals geared toward that goal. While there was always a cautious overtone in the sense countries never want to give up their domestic industry in lieu of free trade – in particular in terms of food security – it seemed there was a general desire to trade.
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