UNCTAD’s latest Global Trade Update (July/August 2026) shows that world trade continues to grow – merchandise trade rose about 12.5% in Q1 2026 – but under rising price pressures. Nearly two thirds of global trade now takes place within value chains being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, industrial policy and new technologies: firms are diversifying suppliers and relocating production closer to key markets. For internationally active companies, this underlines that market entry strategy and supply chain design can no longer be treated separately. https://unctad.org/publication/global-trade-update-julyaugust-2026-global-trade-continues-expand-amid-rising-price
