The Definitive End of the De Minimis Tariff Exemption
3 Sep 25On 2 May, the Trump administration closed the de minimis tariff exemption for goods imported from China. The exemption allowed tariffs to be waived on shipments to the US valued under USD800. Now, the Trump administration has announced that, beginning on 29 August, the exemption will be closed for imports from all countries. This will have a massive impact on e-commerce retailers selling into the US, especially those who reshuffled their supply chains to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
Global Economic Outlook: Q3 2025
25 Aug 25The global economy began adapting to a shifting trade landscape and demonstrated resilience in H1 2025, supported by easing energy prices and front-loading trade activity. However, fresh US tariff hikes and persistent uncertainty are set to constrain global growth from H2 2025.
Global Shifts, Local Wins: Competing in the Personal Accessories Market in 2025
18 Aug 25The personal accessories industry has long been led by Western European luxury houses, but Asia-based companies are rapidly gaining ground, and are poised to drive growth over the next five years. Meanwhile, the US – the second largest market after China – is facing tariff pressures that could ripple across the global landscape. As market dynamics shift, balancing global scale with local relevance is becoming increasingly critical for sustained success.
Trump’s New Tariffs In Effect: Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next
13 Aug 25On 7 August, 2025, US' new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 41%, officially took effect. The new trade regime introduces a complex mix of duties that will have diverse impacts across countries, industries, and consumers. While some uncertainty remains, the higher tariff levels signal a further major shift in global trade dynamics, requiring companies to recalibrate their pricing strategies, supply chains, and risk management frameworks to stay competitive and resilient.
US-EU Trade Deal 2025: Key Implications for Economies and Global Business Strategy
30 Jul 25The US-EU trade deal announced on 27 July 2025 brings some much needed clarity to global markets amid ongoing geopolitical and trade volatility. It carries significant implications for the US, the EU and the broader global economy, accelerating shifts in trade flows, industrial strategies and geopolitical alignments.
Rethink Reliance on the US Market: Where to Diversify in a Fragmenting World
28 Jul 25The Trump administration’s continued focus on “America First” is reshaping global trade dynamics. With risks and uncertainty surrounding tariffs, cross-border logistics, and trade restrictions, reassessing reliance on the US market and diversifying into new consumer markets has become the top strategic imperative for businesses. This article provides a data-led guide to where businesses should look next and why, using our Alternative Market Opportunity Index.
US-Vietnam Trade Deal: Key Things to Know
24 Jul 25On 2 July, a trade deal between the US and Vietnam was announced. Under the agreement, US goods will enter Vietnam duty-free, while the US will charge a 20% tariff on imports from Vietnam, instead of the 46% tariff announced in April. In addition, a new “transshipment” agreement was announced, which will charge a 40% tariff rate on goods from other countries that pass through Vietnam on the way to the US market. The new trade deal marks a significant milestone for Vietnam and will have an impact on production networks across Asia.
Tariff Turbulence: Supply Chains, Scenarios and Strategic Optionality
16 Jul 25As President Trump intensifies his trade war after a three month pause on the “reciprocal” tariffs announced in early April, the international trade environment has never been more volatile. Recent tariff threats targeting Canada, the EU, Mexico and others underscore how quickly trade dynamics can shift, with potentially far-reaching consequences. The challenge for global businesses is not only to assess immediate impacts, but also to remain strategically agile as events continue to unfold.
The Rise of Chinese Brands is Reshaping Southeast Asia’s Consumer Landscape
10 Jul 25Chinese companies are rapidly gaining ground in Southeast Asia, particularly in categories where they hold clear competitive advantages, such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics and home appliances. More recently, Chinese consumer goods brands have expanded their footprint, reflecting a broader push into lifestyle and daily-use categories; however, their success is not uniform.
US Economy at Risk from Prolonged Tariff Policies
3 Jul 25Our economic growth forecasts for the US have been revised downwards for 2025 at the same time as inflation forecasts have risen. In this video, Lan Ha, Head of Insights for Economies and Consumers, examines the impact of continuing tariffs and escalations of the trade war, which could push the US economy into recession with inflation rising to 6-7%. This stagflation scenario complicates business strategies, threatening profit margins and requiring new growth avenues. However, scenario planning can help businesses navigate this uncertain environment and identify new growth opportunities.
Fashion: Navigating Change in the Face of Tariffs and Uncertainty
17 Jun 25The new US tariffs will have a far-reaching impact on the globalised fashion industry. The US market faces higher prices, supply shortages, and shifts in consumer behaviour; while Chinese companies will need new export markets for their surpluses, redesigning the global trade landscape. Moreover, brands in the US and beyond will explore sourcing diversification strategies to mitigate future risks. This article looks at trade dependencies to understand the multiple implications of the tariffs on the fashion industry, from pricing to sourcing strategies and discusses how fashion players can build resilience in times of uncertainty.
Global Economic Outlook: Q2 2025
12 Jun 25The global economy has witnessed growing headwinds since early 2025, as trade policy shocks from the US weigh on the global supply chain and business and consumer confidence.
Adapting to Uncertainty: The Impact on US Consumer Income and Expenditure
9 Jun 25President Trump’s 2025 package of higher tariffs, tax cuts and tighter immigration controls is reshaping US consumer markets. Uncertainty and rising inflation expectations are dampening demand, and spending growth across all categories is expected to moderate, with no clear winners. While many incentives may sunset with the 2029 term limit, elevated tariffs and weaker investment incentives are likely to suppress confidence and spending for at least another two years post-administration.
2025 Global Economic Update and Mid-Year Outlook
5 Jun 25Your mid-year outlook for the global economy in 2025. Find the latest projections for GDP growth and inflation to support your strategy and scenario planning.
How to Utilise Macro Model Insights
22 May 25A macro model helps you better understand economic risks in target markets—if you know how to use this analytical tool for effective scenario planning. Let’s review the impact of two scenarios that are top of mind for business leaders.
US Tariffs Imply Double-Digit Inflationary Pressure on Home and Garden in 2025
16 May 25President Trump’s tariffs are a strategy, what the President refers to as a “medicine”, to break the US addiction to low-cost manufacturing which is part of generating the trade deficit with China. Using cookware as an example for data specifics, we can show how tariff policies imply double-digit inflationary pressure is landing in 2025 and show why investment in India is heating up.
Global Trade Landscape: Impact and Opportunities of Trump Tariffs
14 May 25Watch this panel to unpack the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the global trade landscape. You’ll gain insights to help you operate in today’s volatile economy as policy shifts continue at speed.
What Tariff Turbulence Means for Global Retail E-Commerce: Winners and Losers
12 May 25The imposition of a host of new tariffs by the US is already beginning to impact global trade flows. This development is expected to have a significant impact on the retail industry, especially in terms of the performance of the retail e-commerce channel. This article explores how the new tariff regime could change the face of the retail and e-commerce landscape over the next few years.