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DHL Trade Growth Atlas

Anna Thompson
Anna Thompson
Discover the content team
3 min read

In response to these and other crucial questions for any business shipping internationally, the DHL Trade Growth Atlas provides a detailed map of shifting global trade patterns. It is based on analysis of over one million data points on country-to-country trade flows.

The report is produced in partnership with NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management, which fosters cutting-edge research on major shifts in the global business landscape. By cutting through the rhetoric and speculation, it will help your business navigate toward new opportunities in world trade.

Key factors shaping supply chains in 2022

The past two years have been anything but ordinary for global trade. From the lasting impact of Covid-19 to the war in Ukraine, supply chains have faced constant disruption. Add in record-high global inflation and slowing economies, and it’s clear that the role of trade in driving growth is being seriously tested.

Looking ahead, businesses with international ambitions are asking some big questions. Which countries are leading in trade growth? And where will the next major growth hubs emerge? Understanding these shifts is key to staying competitive in an ever-changing global supply chain landscape.

Global trade patterns

China is expected to remain the world’s top driver of trade growth through 2026, but its share of that growth could shrink significantly, potentially dropping by half. At the same time, the rise of cross-border e-commerce, accelerated by the pandemic, is reshaping global trade dynamics. Emerging economies are stepping up fast, bringing more innovation to the table and exporting increasingly sophisticated products.

As a result, trade growth is becoming more widely distributed across different regions. Countries like Vietnam are shining examples, ranking among the top performers in both speed and scale of trade growth over the past five years, with strong momentum ahead. And that’s just the beginning. The full report dives deeper, featuring 173 detailed country profiles that map out evolving global trade patterns.

If you’re looking to – or indeed already do – ship internationally, this report is essential reading. Brought to you by the world’s most international company, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories, it reflects our position at the heart of global trade and our commitment to helping our customers identify the most prosperous markets for expansion. Read the in-depth report now and begin your next global chapter!

This is just a taste of the kind of business support you can expect when you partner with DHL Express. Talk to one of our specialists to discuss how a business international account can help you grow YOUR business in 220 territories across the globe.