Trade Shocks and Tensions

Bans on exports of medical supplies and foodstuffs amid the COVID-19 pandemic risk humanitarian tragedy. Yet global trade and investment governance reform, already under acute strain from tariff wars and a crisis in the WTO legal system, has come to a standstill. 

The Forum's Trade and Investment Platform is maintaining a drumbeat for urgent dialogue and action, engaging business and policy-makers on short and long-term steps towards a global economic architecture fit to tackle current challenges. 

Activities include Business Insight calls, scenario development, recommendations to decision makers in national and international contexts. Multi-stakeholder taskforces are supported by a global academic and institutional network and Global Future Council on International Trade and Investment.