{"id":66016,"date":"2026-03-10T14:11:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/logisticsbusiness.com\/?p=66016"},"modified":"2026-03-10T22:39:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T22:39:59","slug":"globalisation-holds-firm-us-and-china-decouple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/logisticsbusiness.com\/transport-distribution\/globalisation-holds-firm-us-and-china-decouple\/","title":{"rendered":"Globalisation Holds Firm, US and China Decouple"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Globalisation remains at a historically high level \u2013 despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising U.S. tariffs, and unprecedented uncertainty about future trade policies. This is one of the key findings of the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026, released today by DHL and New York University\u2019s Stern School of Business. Based on more than 9 million data points tracking international flows of trade, capital, information, and people, the report offers the most comprehensive view of globalisation available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report tracks globalisation on a scale from 0% (no cross-border flows) to 100% (borders and distance have no impact). The world\u2019s level of globalisation was 25% in 2025, in line with the record high set in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Globalisation is holding its ground \u2013 and that alone speaks volumes about its value… From poverty to climate change, the world\u2019s biggest challenges can only be solved through global thinking. The DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that countries and companies are not retreating behind national borders. That is good news. We strengthen global ties by connecting markets, businesses, and people so they can adapt, diversify, and unlock new opportunities \u2013 even in uncertain times.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, today\u2019s globalisation level of 25% underlines how far the world is from being fully globalised. In many areas, international flows could expand further in the absence of policy constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI boom and race to beat tariff hikes fueled trade in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Global trade grew faster in 2025 than in any year since 2017, excluding the volatile Covid-19 period. U.S. importers accelerated shipments early in the year ahead of tariff increases. U.S. imports later dropped below prior-year levels, but rising Chinese exports to non-U.S. markets helped sustain global trade volumes. Trade in AI-related<\/a> goods surged as countries and companies raced to build AI infrastructure. AI-related products drove 42% of goods trade growth in the first three quarters of 2025, according to WTO figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trade outlook: growth continues, even with higher tariffs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, recent U.S. tariff increases are expected to modestly slow trade growth in 2026 \u2013 but not stop it. Global goods trade is projected to expand by an average of 2.6% per year through 2029, in line with the past decade. One reason trade can keep growing despite U.S. tariff hikes is that most trade does not involve the U.S. In 2025, 13% of imports went to the U.S., and 9% of exports came from the U.S. In addition, many countries are pursuing new trade agreements to secure access to alternative markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information flows face barriers, people flows reach new highs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond trade, the report finds diverging trends across other international flows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n