Commentary: Interoperability, Not Isolation ― Using Trade Data to Navigate a Fragmented World

Tariffs, protectionist policies and tightening regulations have made global supply chains more uncertain than ever. Companies are struggling to decide where to produce and invest, while governments balance domestic pressures against the realities of international trade.

Many have responded by turning inward. Nearshoring and “friend-shoring” are often seen as ways to reduce exposure to global shocks. Yet these approaches can also lead to higher costs and greater inefficiencies. Real resilience comes not from isolation, but from interoperability — the ability for trade systems and digital platforms to connect securely across borders.