Drewry’s latest analysis paints a cautious picture for the future of global trade amid rising protectionism and US tariffs.

The webinar highlights that these trade policies threaten to significantly curb international trade’s contribution to GDP, with container handling expected to contract in 2025—only the third decline since 1979. Uncertainty reigns as US trade strategies evolve unpredictably under the Trump administration. Meanwhile, global port capacity is set to grow steadily, particularly as capacity expands in China’s major ports.

As policymakers navigate these turbulent waters, supply chain stakeholders must brace for uncertainty, adapting strategies in a landscape where protectionism could reshape the contours of global commerce for years to come.