World Trade Dialogue 2025

Trade in Transition: The Shifting Sands of Globalization and Fragmentation

International trade and supply chains are the backbone of the global economy – and almost every company is directly or indirectly dependent on them. However, geopolitical uncertainties, rising protectionism and an increasingly volatile global economy are putting established structures under unprecedented pressure.

In particular, the unilateral trade policy of the second Trump administration, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the instability of key trade routes are up costs and reshaping the rules of global competition.

On the initiative of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel) and Hapag-Lloyd AG, Germany’s largest container shipping line, the World Trade Dialogue Hamburg 2025 brings together leading top class-executives, policymakers and renowned experts to discuss pressing issues and new strategies for sustainable global trade under the title „Trade in Transition: The Shifting Sands of Globalization and Fragmentation“. Topics of the day will include:

– Disruptions in global trade – Geopolitical risks, rising transportation costs and climate-related challenges

– Geopolitics & trade policy – The reorientation of US trade policy, WTO reforms and the rise of plurilateral agreements

– Market dynamics & new perspectives – Strategic opportunities in the Asian and African markets

Take advantage of this high-level platform to gain exclusive insights, form strategic alliances and discuss the way forward with key decision makers.