Global Scans · Trade · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Global trade policies could be upended with a new President in the White House, Brexit, a potential break-up of the European Union and China reacting to these changes in profound ways.

• Regulatory and National Security Considerations: Risks around tightening of U.S. export controls on GPUs continue to complicate investment strategies, particularly with respect to end-user profiles. JD Supra
• Expect more Europe-U.S. two-way traffic and supply chain realignment plays, even as tariffs and national security reviews add friction and influence where platforms are built. JD Supra
• In the short term, Chinese goods are expected to remain competitive, but the export sector should suffer from new protectionist measures. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• 2026 will be shaped by intersecting regimes across geopolitics, the economy and markets, with inflation staying close to 3%, growth near trend, cautious Fed easing, and continued use of tariffs and industrial policy as strategic tools. SeafoodNews
• As the second largest economy in the world, China is simply too big to generate much growth from exports, and continuing to depend on export-led growth risks furthering global trade tensions. World Socialist Web Site
• When major EU poultry exporters face disease-related barriers, importing nations often seek alternative suppliers, potentially creating short-term export opportunities for US producers. Farm Progress
• A potential end to the carry trade due to further interest rate hikes and a strengthening yen could trigger sell-offs of technology and other risk stocks, straining global liquidity. DJE Kapital AG
• 89% expect Chinese exports to non-U.S. markets to continue growing, while economists are divided on the future volume of global trade. Funds Society
• Tariffs on imports between the United States and China are expected to remain generally stable, though competition may intensify in other areas. Funds Society
• Denmark sent no government representatives following Trump's Greenland annexation threats and accompanying tariffs, underscoring how geopolitical tensions directly shape Davos participation. European Business Magazine
• Tensions are escalating between the United States and Europe after President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight European allies that oppose his push to take over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Havana Times
• With higher tariffs now in place, global trade volume growth is expected to slow to just 0.5% in 2026. Macquarie
• Some 91% expect US tech export restrictions to China to remain or increase; 84% anticipate the same for Chinese critical mineral restrictions. Mirage News
• As AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation continue to accelerate, the need for high-quality memory chips will only grow, making the stakes of US export policy higher than ever. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• The US government's decision to tighten export controls reflects growing concerns about China's ambitions in advanced technology - and the fear that American know-how could be used to bolster rival industries or even military capabilities. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• Lower tariffs and clearer rules of origin could strengthen South America's role as a diversified supplier to the EU at a time when Brussels is trying to reduce dependence on a small number of dominant players, particularly China. Geopolitical Mining
• ISC 2026 gains importance amid recent global trade disruptions, which have forced Indian exporters to diversify markets, strengthen ASEAN linkages, and focus on value-added spice products. Guidely
• The increase in the US tariff burden by the Trump administration affects more than just trade policy; screening authorities increasingly treat tariff-driven dislocation as an FDI predatory-acquisition risk: targets lose value, supply chains become fragile, and capacity becomes strategic. JD Supra
• Revenues from the Southern African Customs Union, which accounted for 46% of total revenue, are projected to decline due to the anticipated slowdown in South African trade - the source of 98% of SACU receipts. Coface
• The wide-ranging tariffs introduced in 2026 by the federal government could threaten worldwide economic growth and contribute to continued worries of a recession here in the US. PCBB

Last updated: 22 January 2026