Introduction International trade is undergoing a profound transformation, introducing new layers of complexity and uncertainty for companies. Conversely, successful trade compliance could also bring a competitive advantage. As a direct result of the changing trade landscape, companies operating international supply chains must now navigate a multifaceted landscape of trade laws and regulations. The stakes can be high: trade compliance mitigates the risks of penalties and reputational damage, safeguards business continuity, avoids supply chain disruption and serves as a competitive advantage. How a company experiences and responds to new trade considerations depends on how developed its international trade management function is and its risk appetite – which in turn is typically reflected by the overall compliance culture. For some, changes may be relatively easy to manage or less impactful, while others may need to fundamentally rethink the structure of international trade management. A company’s geographic footprint and its industry are also relevant factors. Most new trade requirements are linked to shifts in the tone and direction of trade policy in major jurisdictions. After decades of reducing trade barriers, many countries are now introducing new restrictions, in response to shifting economic priorities. Companies need to deal with the possibility that stable, low tariff rates may rise unexpectedly. Further, bilateral deal-making is taking precedence over multilateral arrangements, creating a more diverse set of trade rules. International trade requirements have also expanded beyond the traditional question of what is being traded to encompass how products are made. New requirements related to sustainability and labour standards – such as carbon border taxes and supply chain due diligence obligations – are becoming part of customs documentation. At the same time, technology and data analytics are transforming how companies manage risk and compliance, enabling more sophisticated risk assessment and real-time monitoring. However, technology equally introduces fresh challenges in terms of data availability and system coherence. The trade compliance function is very different now from what was needed one or two decades ago. Where this was commonly referred to as “trade compliance” in the past – and reflected in the title of this white paper – the evolution and added responsibilities of the function are better represented by now referring to it as international trade management. This paper offers a practical guide to navigating this fast-moving landscape. It identifies the most pressing challenges that international trade management professionals face today and highlights corporate practices that can help companies respond effectively. It also explores how companies can engage more proactively with policy-makers to ensure effective regulations. To inform the insights in the paper, the World Economic Forum in collaboration with trade compliance professionals from PwC convened the Trade Compliance Practitioners, a diverse group of leading companies from various regions engaged in international trade. Six meetings were organized over the course of October 2024 to June 2025 and in-depth interviews conducted from January to June 2025. Trade Compliance for Leadership: Navigating a Shifting Global Landscape 6

Trade Compliance for Leadership Navigating a Shifting Global Landscape 2025