Global Value Chains Outlook 2026

Geopolitical landscape – Diplomacy as economic risk management FIGURE 11 Country readiness factorLeading policies and interventionsExpected impact for supply chain imperatives Strengthen inter national r elations through pr oactive, multi-aligned diplomacy that balances national inter ests and shields the economy fr om bilateral or regional shocks1 Diversify strategic trade policies and agreements to lower tarif f and non-tarif f barriers, while mitigating over -reliance on any single partner2 Expand access to alter native export destinations and pr oxy markets to cushion against supply or demand disruptions arising fr om geopolitical tensions3 Reduce inter nal regional disparities to enhance political stability and ensur e broad-based, inclusive gr owth4 Develop national-level geopolitical risk- assessment platforms accessible to investors for informed decision-making5 Provide gover nment-backed insurance and risk guarantees for investments in geopolitically sensitive r egions or industries6Stable geopolitical r elations and diversified trade corridors enhance and secur e supply networks while str engthening cross-bor der or chestration Broader trade agr eements and multi-aligned diplomacy open mor e viable, low tarif f locations for distributed manufacturing expansion Geopolitical stability and risk assessment and guarantees bolster investor confidence by r educing operational exposur e to shocks or allowing r elocation to trusted partner countriesInfrastructur e Resour ces and energy Technology and innovation Labour and skills Sustainability Fiscal and regulatory Geopolitical landscape Global Value Chains Outlook 2026: Orchestrating Corporate and National Agility 26