Global Trade Under Pressure: How Regulation & Reform Can Impact Growth

The world has seen massive change over the last five years. Climate change, geopolitical conflicts, a global pandemic and shifting alliances have all impacted supply chains in all aspects. Just months into 2025, the year has already faced a myriad of challenges that have significantly impacted supply chains and logistics.

Rising regulatory complexity, increasing protectionism, and rapidly shifting geopolitics are all reshaping the rules of international commerce. In the latest episode of Beyond The Box, hosts Cecilia Larsen and Philip Lewin speak with Shanker Singham, the CEO of Competere Ltd, a company which provides trade and competition law and policy advice to governments and companies, and Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-chief of the Brussels Report.eu.

This episode explores:

• How regulatory fragmentation is creating new trade barriers
• The role of competition policy in enabling innovation and open markets
• What a pragmatic path to trade reform could look like — balancing transparency, and economic opportunity
• The impact of EU and US trade policy on global supply chains, investment, and growth

As governments rethink globalisation and businesses confront rising costs, regulatory burdens, and shifting alliances, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of international trade, economic development, and global market access.

Whether you're in logistics, manufacturing, policy, compliance, or supply chain management, this conversation offers different perspectives on navigating today’s complex trade environment — and potential outcomes for tomorrow’s global economy.

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