Political Stability and Policy Continuity

Brazil’s trade performance benefited from government efforts to maintain stability and promote international agreements. However, political developments, such as investigations into former leaders and ongoing US negotiations, could affect investor confidence and regulatory predictability.

Infrastructure Investment Plans

Federal infrastructure spending initiatives aim to modernize transportation and digital networks, enhancing logistics efficiency. These investments create opportunities for contractors and suppliers, impacting domestic and international trade flows.

Trade Diversification and Market Access

Brazil opened over 200 new markets for agribusiness in 2025, reducing dependence on traditional partners. Expansion into Southeast Asia, India, and Canada is underway, but success depends on regulatory adaptation and competitive positioning.

Expanding Export Markets and Halal Economy

Vietnam is diversifying exports to new markets, notably the Middle East’s Halal sector, amid stricter standards in traditional destinations. Exports to the UAE and Saudi Arabia reached $7.3 billion in 2025. Developing a Halal ecosystem and leveraging FTAs are key to future growth and supply chain resilience.

Supply Chain Disruption and Logistics Risks

Railways, ports, and critical logistics hubs in Ukraine remain vulnerable to military attacks and blockades. Companies must adapt to unpredictable transport conditions, rerouting, and increased costs, impacting trade flows and operational reliability.

Digital Governance Accelerates Project Delivery

India’s PRAGATI platform has resolved over 2,950 governance and infrastructure issues, expediting large-scale projects and reducing bureaucratic delays. This digital governance model improves inter-agency coordination, enhancing the ease of doing business and project execution timelines.

USMCA Trade Dynamics

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continues to shape Mexico's trade landscape, influencing tariffs, labor standards, and regulatory alignment. This agreement enhances Mexico's export potential but requires compliance with stringent rules, impacting manufacturing and supply chains, especially in automotive and agriculture sectors.

Data Security and Cyber Regulations

China's tightening data security laws impose compliance burdens on foreign firms, affecting cross-border data flows and operational strategies. Non-compliance risks penalties and market access restrictions.

Trade Agreements and Regional Integration

Egypt's participation in trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and bilateral deals expands market access and influences supply chain configurations. These agreements shape tariff structures and cross-border investment flows, impacting international trade strategies.

China’s Domestic Consumption Growth

China’s growing middle class and urbanization fuel domestic consumption, attracting foreign investment in retail, luxury goods, and services. However, changing consumer preferences and regulatory environment require adaptive market strategies.

China's Domestic Consumption Growth

Despite external pressures, China's expanding middle class and domestic consumption offer growth opportunities for consumer goods and services sectors, attracting foreign investment focused on the Chinese market.

Supply Chain Resilience Initiatives

In response to global disruptions, Australian firms and government agencies are prioritizing supply chain resilience. Efforts include reshoring critical manufacturing, enhancing logistics infrastructure, and fostering regional trade agreements to reduce dependency on single sources and improve operational continuity amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Technological Innovation and Digital Economy Growth

Rapid advancements in technology and digital infrastructure expansion position Canada as a competitive hub for innovation-driven industries, attracting foreign direct investment and fostering new trade opportunities in digital services.

Energy Security and Geopolitical Intervention

The US’s assertive energy doctrine, exemplified by intervention in Venezuela, reflects a strategy to secure hydrocarbon dominance and counter rivals like China and Russia. This approach influences global energy markets, supply chain decisions, and investment risks in resource-rich regions.

Sanctions and Regulatory Environment

US-imposed sanctions on Venezuelan entities and individuals create complex compliance challenges for businesses. These restrictions affect supply chains, limit market access, and increase operational risks, necessitating rigorous due diligence and strategic adjustments in investment and trade activities.

ESG, Sustainability, and Green Investment Momentum

Vietnam is prioritizing renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green financing to meet net-zero commitments. Investments in clean energy and regulatory reforms are creating new opportunities, but implementation challenges and the need for greater transparency remain for international investors.

Strategic Shift Toward China and India

With Western markets closed, Russia has deepened trade ties with China and India, who together bought over €430 billion of Russian fossil fuels since 2022. However, recent US sanctions and tariffs are beginning to erode these relationships and volumes.

Geopolitical Security Concerns

Heightened geopolitical risks, including cyber threats and military tensions, affect the security landscape for US businesses. These concerns necessitate increased investment in risk management and contingency planning to safeguard assets and supply chains.

Infrastructure Investment and Modernization

Federal infrastructure spending initiatives aim to upgrade transportation, digital networks, and logistics capabilities. Improved infrastructure enhances supply chain efficiency and attracts foreign direct investment.

Foreign Direct Investment Reboot

Thailand is prioritizing high-value FDI in sectors like high-tech, green infrastructure, and wellness tourism. Streamlined investment processes and improved incentives aim to reverse declining FDI, but success depends on legal reforms, transparency, and stable governance.

Reshoring and Supply Chain Realignment

Driven by national security and tariff policy, the US is incentivizing reshoring and ‘friend-shoring’ of manufacturing. This has triggered global supply chain restructuring, with Southeast Asia and Mexico gaining, but also increased operational complexity and costs for multinational firms.

AI Disruption and Labor Market Shifts

Rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is transforming US business operations, driving productivity but also causing job displacement and sluggish hiring. Firms are reassessing workforce strategies, with significant implications for employment, wage growth, and the structure of supply chains.

Regulatory Reform and Industrial Strategy

The UK’s 10-year growth plan emphasizes simplifying regulation, investing £113bn in infrastructure, and fostering innovation in sectors like clean energy, life sciences, and manufacturing. These reforms aim to enhance competitiveness and attract global capital, but their implementation and impact remain closely watched.

Regulatory Environment and Business Reforms

Ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Israel enhance investor confidence. Streamlined procedures and improved corporate governance standards positively influence foreign investment and operational efficiency.

Capital Market Growth and ESG Regulation

Taiwan’s IPO market reached record highs in 2025, driven by semiconductor and AI sectors. New ESG and sustainability disclosure regulations are raising compliance standards, influencing investment decisions and corporate governance for international and domestic firms.

Sanctions Severely Restrict Oil Revenues

International sanctions have blocked 38% of Iran’s oil revenue from returning, with only $13 billion of $21 billion in sales received. This undermines government finances, disrupts budget planning, and increases risk for foreign investors and supply chain partners.

Sanctions Expand Geopolitical Risks

The US has broadened sanctions against entities in China, Iran, and Venezuela, targeting defense, technology, and energy sectors. These measures heighten compliance risks, restrict market access, and increase uncertainty for multinational firms operating in or trading with sanctioned jurisdictions.

Labor Market Dynamics and Workforce Skills

Turkey's young and growing workforce presents opportunities and challenges. Skill mismatches and labor market regulations affect productivity and operational costs. Businesses must navigate labor laws and invest in training to optimize human capital utilization.

Political Instability and Governance Challenges

Pakistan faces ongoing political instability marked by frequent government changes and governance issues. This uncertainty undermines investor confidence, disrupts policy continuity, and complicates long-term business planning, thereby increasing country risk for international investors and multinational corporations operating in Pakistan.

Geopolitical Tensions and Security Concerns

Heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with China and Russia, influence risk assessments for foreign investments and supply chain security. Businesses must navigate sanctions, export controls, and cybersecurity threats.

Strategic Role in Black Sea Security

Turkey is poised to lead a Black Sea naval security mission under Ukraine security guarantees, enhancing its influence in regional maritime trade and logistics. This role may reshape supply chain routes and offer new opportunities for infrastructure and reconstruction investment.

Technological Innovation and R&D

Taiwan's focus on innovation and research in emerging technologies strengthens its position in global markets. Investment in R&D drives competitiveness but requires continuous support amid geopolitical and economic pressures.

Regulatory and Fiscal Policy Evolution

Ongoing reforms in GST, tax policy, and fiscal decentralization are shaping India’s investment climate. States are seeking greater fiscal autonomy and infrastructure funding, while regulatory changes continue to impact business operations, compliance, and long-term strategic planning.

Foreign Investment Surge and Partnerships

Egypt is witnessing robust foreign investment inflows, notably from the UAE and Qatar, with deals exceeding $29 billion in real estate and $7.5 billion in industrial sectors. These partnerships boost capital availability, technology transfer, and export growth, reinforcing Egypt’s attractiveness for international investors.

Resilient Economic Growth Amid Global Headwinds

Vietnam’s GDP grew by 8% in 2025, outperforming regional peers despite US tariffs and global uncertainties. Export-led growth, manufacturing strength, and political stability underpin robust performance, though high openness leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks and trade policy changes.

Political Stability and Governance

Domestic political dynamics and governance practices influence Russia's business climate. Political stability affects investor confidence, while governance issues such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies increase operational risks.