The world is entering a period of profound transformation in global trade. Shifting geopolitical alignments and evolving supply patterns are reshaping global flows, redefining how economies connect and compete and redrawing the map of international commerce. Trade technology has emerged as a source of stability and progress, reinforcing trust and continuity, helping global supply chains remain connected amid rapid change. This year’s report showcases catalytic efforts designed to responsibly scale innovations, including the TradeTech Regulatory Sandbox, helping technology solutions increase trust and efficiency in global trade. At the core of this year’s work lies a new conceptual lens: the tradetech stack. This reveals how trade is linked across global institutions, national regulators, enablers and enterprises through a single, integrated digital continuum. Within this structure, technology is not a separate component, it functions as the connective infrastructure that integrates every layer, ensuring that commerce remains efficient, predictable and inclusive, even in challenging times. The report underscores that technology’s potential is best realized when it is guided by collaboration. Tradetech both requires collaboration between governments, industry and technology partners, and enables it – turning complexity into opportunity. Through the TradeTech Global Initiative, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Trade, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the World Economic Forum continue to advance this vision, positioning technology as a strategic bridge between economies and a catalyst for shared prosperity. We invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping a future where trade is not divided by disruption but strengthened by collaboration, and where technology serves as the enduring backbone of a more resilient global economy.Børge Brende President and Chief Executive Officer, World Economic Forum Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi Minister of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development ForewordThe TradeTech Paradox: Connectivity Amid FragmentationJanuary 2026 The TradeTech Paradox: Connectivity Amid Fragmentation 3

The TradeTech Paradox Connectivity Amid Fragmentation 2026