Global Trade & Importance of Connections w/ People

The global trade community enters 2025 with a sense of uncertainty. After hitting a record US $33 trillion in global trade revenue last year, the threat of tariffs has complicated some long-standing trade relationships. As tariffs have now become a reality this year, the need for agility and flexibility among trade professionals has never been more essential.

Because even as trade patterns evolve, the need for productive collaboration remains unchanged. Relationships built on trust are more resilient, and more prepared to weather unexpected developments and challenges. That’s why building strong people-oriented business relationships through global networks fosters stability in an unpredictable landscape.

The Need for Collaborative Problem-Solving

Relationships founded on trust and shared understanding are more likely to generate novel solutions. That’s why more meetings feature cross-cultural innovation labs where professionals from different regions get together to discuss strategies. For example, trade teams can meet in person at global trade hubs like Singapore and Dubai to outline AI-powered container tracking documentation or compare enforcement tactics around new trade regulations.

Connections forged at in-person meetings pave the way for ongoing communication. Partners from opposite sides of the world can develop a shorthand that makes it easy to share region-specific market intelligence. For instance, a team in Europe might see how new energy efficiency regulations are affecting the commercial real estate market, then pass those learnings onto their counterparts in Asia. This powerful connection helps both sides remain informed and prepared. 

Establishing Cross-Cultural Connections

When you’re together in person, it’s easier to foster mutual understanding. The learnings don’t just occur at conferences, events and meetings. Having the chance to dine together after hours, explore cities together and experience culture side-by-side goes a long way in terms of developing a deeper connection.

In global trade development, culture rules. Some regions value swiftness and directness in communication, while others focus on social interaction and establishing trust before diving into business deals. Understanding these cultural nuances and differences prevents miscommunication — which has the chance to delay or damage dealmaking. As the geopolitical picture gets more hazy, the downside of misunderstanding in trade negotiations is steeper than ever.

Organizations like World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) excel in creating events and activities where businesses can engage with peers around the world, share best practices, connect with their local business partners and learn from those who have successfully navigated similar challenges. WTCA is a network of more than 300 highly-connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries with a mission of “Connecting Businesses, Globally.” Through its portfolio of events, programming, and resources, WTCA helps businesses and regional economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating global trade and investment.

Face-to-Face — And Not on a Screen

As we enter 2025, 40% of businesses expect to increase corporate travel in fiscal year 2025, according to Flight Centre Travel Group’s “State of the Market” survey. Many agree that while remote meetings are fine for one-on-one interactions, nothing can replace getting a group together in one room and having face-to-face meetings or brainstorm sessions. Between technological glitches and tight schedules, meeting over teleconferencing software can often feel choppy and rushed.

However, business travel may look a bit different than it did pre-pandemic. Instead of traveling for small meetings, teams are focused on larger all-hands events and conferences. Read more about “Trends in Business Travel for 2025” from the November/December 2024 issue of WTCA Meridian to learn more. Meetings may occur closer to home, too, as tariffs potentially slow geopolitical trade activity between trade partners like the U.S. and China.

As the terrain shifts in the coming years, business leaders must gain an edge when it comes to intelligence, insights and strategy. Building connections with fellow industry stakeholders is a time-tested way to promote better business outcomes. As we set off on a year of uncertainty, one thing is certain…. in-person connection isn’t going anywhere.

For more information on the evolving business landscape, be sure to register for the 2025 WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), taking place April 6-9 in Marseille, France. Want to get involved or learn more? Visit the 2025 WTCA GBF website at https://wtca.swoogo.com/2025gbf .

Want to learn more about WTCA? Visit the WTCA website at www.wtca.org .