14-Country FIT Partnership Supports Free Trade Expansion

A new wave of global trade initiatives is quietly reshaping commerce, with alliances like the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) partnership linking small and medium-sized countries to support free trade amid rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Key markets such as India, Malaysia, Mainland China, Indonesia, the UAE, and the US are focal points for corporations realigning supply chains to manage rising costs and incorporate emerging technologies like AI and smart manufacturing. South Africa is actively pursuing trade diversification by strengthening relations with the US and other global partners to enhance competitiveness and economic stability. Meanwhile, ongoing trade wars, particularly involving US tariffs, are prompting companies to adapt as sector risks remain elevated, especially in automotive, agrifood, and electronics, with IT services and pharmaceuticals emerging as safer sectors. Despite challenges, 72% of world trade still operates under WTO rules, and trade volumes are expected to grow modestly in 2025, underscoring a resilient core in global commerce. These developments reflect a complex but compelling outlook where nations and businesses seek to balance protectionism with innovation and partnership to sustain growth.