Long-Term Erosion of Investment Climate

The cumulative effect of sanctions, revenue losses, and regulatory uncertainty is eroding Russia’s attractiveness for foreign direct investment. Persistent instability and heightened compliance risks are prompting international businesses to reassess or exit the Russian market.

Investment Decline and Industrial Stagnation

Russia’s investment activity is falling, with an 8.7% drop in machinery and equipment imports. Industrial modernization is stalling, and GDP growth has slowed to just 0.1%, signaling recession risks and diminishing prospects for foreign investors.

Regulatory Tightening and Compliance Risks

China is strengthening oversight of outbound investment, foreign acquisitions, and sensitive technologies. New export control laws and anti-dumping investigations increase compliance complexity for multinationals, requiring robust risk management and adaptability to evolving legal frameworks.

Private Investment Skepticism Toward Megaprojects

Despite government ambitions for nation-building infrastructure, global capital markets remain cautious due to high execution risks, uncertain returns, and climate transition challenges. Investor hesitation threatens the financing and timely delivery of major Canadian projects.

Nile Water Crisis and GERD Dispute

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has intensified Egypt’s existential concerns over Nile water security. Ongoing disputes with Ethiopia threaten agricultural output, food prices, and political stability, while U.S. and Israeli mediation efforts aim to secure binding water-release guarantees critical for Egypt’s future.

Strained Canada–U.S. Trade Relations

Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is under pressure due to repeated U.S. tariff threats, especially in autos, steel, and aluminum. The new Canada–China deal risks U.S. retaliation, particularly as CUSMA renegotiations loom, raising uncertainty for cross-border supply chains and North American manufacturing integration.

US Secondary Tariffs Escalate Isolation

The US has imposed a 25% tariff on all countries trading with Iran, targeting key partners like China, India, and Turkey. This unprecedented move intensifies Iran’s economic isolation, disrupts supply chains, and forces global firms to reassess cross-border operations.

Geopolitical Shifts and Supply Chain Security

Germany’s reduced reliance on Russian energy, driven by EU sanctions, has increased vulnerability to supply disruptions and higher costs. The transition to LNG and renewables heightens infrastructure risks, impacting industrial supply chains and investment decisions.

Mining Sector Volatility and Policy Shifts

The mining sector, a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, faces volatile commodity prices, rising operational costs, and policy interventions such as export taxes and tariff relief. These dynamics affect investment decisions, supply chain stability, and the country’s position in global mineral markets.

Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification

Thailand has gained sourcing share as global supply chains diversify away from China, with U.S. imports from Thailand rising 28% in 2025. However, new trade regulations, such as the EU’s CBAM, and stricter U.S. origin verification are increasing compliance burdens for exporters.

High-Tech Sector Investment and AI Leadership

Israel’s high-tech sector remains a global innovation leader, attracting significant venture capital and multinational investment, including major projects from companies like Nvidia. Government-backed funds and private capital continue to drive growth, though the sector faces talent shifts and must navigate global competition and regulatory scrutiny.

Persistent Socioeconomic and Policy Risks

Despite progress, South Africa faces ongoing risks from political uncertainty, municipal debt, and policy missteps. These factors could undermine fiscal stability, disrupt business operations, and affect long-term investment decisions.

Offshore Wind Investment Surge

The UK has secured $30 billion for 8.4 GW of offshore wind capacity, powering 12 million homes and advancing decarbonization goals. This initiative attracts private investment, supports job creation, and strengthens energy security, though grid integration and supply chain challenges persist.

Strained UK-EU-US Trade Agreements

The tariff dispute endangers the recently negotiated US-EU and UK-US trade agreements. The EU may suspend ratification, and uncertainty over future market access is causing businesses to delay investment and hiring, undermining long-term strategic planning for UK-based multinationals.

Political Uncertainty and Budget Delays

Delays in passing Taiwan's defense budget threaten procurement, maintenance, and deterrence capabilities. Legislative gridlock could undermine Taiwan's military readiness and resilience, increasing vulnerability to external pressure and affecting long-term business stability and investment planning.

Energy Security and Diversification Strategy

Turkey’s energy policy emphasizes diversification, with LNG imports from the US and multiple pipeline sources. This reduces vulnerability to Russian supply shocks and positions Turkey as a critical energy transit hub, affecting investment strategies in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Gaza Conflict Drives Regional Instability

The ongoing Gaza conflict, despite a fragile ceasefire, continues to destabilize Israel’s business environment. Persistent violence, humanitarian crises, and unresolved governance issues in Gaza create uncertainty for trade, investment, and supply chain continuity, especially for firms with regional exposure.

Semiconductor and AI Industry Expansion

Semiconductor exports hit $173.4 billion, fueled by surging AI demand and DRAM prices. Major firms like Samsung and SK Hynix led market gains, attracting investment and strengthening South Korea’s position in global technology supply chains, with further growth expected in 2026.

US-China Trade Tensions Escalate

Renewed US tariffs, including a 25% levy on countries trading with Iran, have reignited trade frictions. Despite a 19.5% drop in US-bound exports, China posted a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, highlighting resilience but also raising risks of further escalation and global supply chain disruptions.

Political Instability and Investment Uncertainty

France faces heightened political volatility following snap elections and a hung parliament, with far-right gains and government survival dependent on fragile coalitions. This instability is dampening investor confidence, delaying investment decisions, and complicating the business environment for both domestic and foreign firms.

Supply Chain Resilience and Infrastructure Growth

Major infrastructure investments, such as Turkish Airlines’ $2.3 billion cargo terminal, are transforming Turkey into a global logistics hub. These developments enhance supply chain resilience for multinationals but also create new dependencies on Turkish regulatory and operational stability.

Financial System Risks and Capital Mobilization

Vietnam’s credit-to-GDP ratio reached 146% in 2025, among the highest globally. Economic growth relies heavily on bank credit and FDI, while domestic private investment remains weak. Authorities stress the need to diversify capital channels, manage inflation, and ensure financial stability to support sustainable long-term growth and investment confidence.

Rising Franco-German Defense and Policy Tensions

France is increasingly uneasy about Germany’s €500 billion defense buildup and growing influence in European security and industrial policy. Disputes over joint defense projects and diverging strategic priorities could affect cross-border investments and the future of European industrial cooperation.

Infrastructure Reform And Connectivity

Ongoing infrastructure reforms focus on improving cross-border connectivity and logistics, with regulatory updates in rail and transport. Enhanced infrastructure may support supply chain efficiency, but regulatory complexity and funding constraints could delay business benefits.

Oil Revenue Losses and Export Risks

Sanctions and payment repatriation issues have resulted in Iran losing up to 38% of its oil revenue, with only $13 billion of $21 billion received. Protests and instability threaten further disruption to Iran’s 2% share of global oil exports.

Infrastructure Investment and Modernization

Ongoing infrastructure upgrades and investment in transport, energy, and border facilities are crucial for Mexico’s competitiveness. However, political tensions and regulatory uncertainty may delay projects, impacting logistics efficiency and long-term business strategies.

Push for Self-Reliance and Local Production

Pakistan is emphasizing local production, value-added exports, and indigenization to reduce import dependence and strengthen foreign exchange buffers. Initiatives span agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping, aiming to double exports and avoid future IMF programs, but require sustained policy execution.

Rapid Export Growth And Surplus

Vietnam achieved an 18% year-on-year trade growth in 2025, with exports reaching $475 billion and a trade surplus over $20 billion. This robust export performance, led by processed goods, strengthens macroeconomic stability and investor confidence, supporting supply chain resilience.

Sectoral Reforms in Gems, Jewellery, and Services

India’s gem and jewellery sector, valued at $28.7 billion, seeks duty cuts, SEZ reforms, and policy changes to maintain competitiveness amid global demand shifts. Services and technology sectors are also expanding, with India’s GCCs expected to reach $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030.

Aerospace Industry: Growth and Supply Chain Risks

The aerospace sector remains France’s top trade surplus contributor, with €77.7 billion revenue in 2024. However, industry leaders warn that excessive taxation and global supply chain dependencies, especially for critical materials, threaten competitiveness and future investment.

Labor Market Weakens Amid Stagnation

Unemployment rose to 6.2% in December 2025, the highest since 2010, with nearly 2.91 million unemployed. The labor market faces demographic pressures, a persistent skills gap, and weak demand, impacting both domestic consumption and the attractiveness of Germany for international investors.

Critical Minerals and Mining Expansion

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily to develop its $2.5 trillion mineral reserves, including rare earths, gold, copper, and lithium. Strategic partnerships with the US, Canada, Brazil, and Chile aim to position the Kingdom as a global mining and processing hub, diversifying the economy and supply chains amid rising geopolitical competition.

UK-EU Relationship and Brexit Reset

The UK is preparing legislation to align more closely with the EU in areas such as food standards, emissions trading, and electricity markets. This 'reset' could add £5.1bn to the UK economy, but faces political controversy over sovereignty and regulatory alignment, impacting trade and investment decisions.

Political and Regional Security Instability

Ongoing political uncertainty and regional security risks, particularly regarding Afghanistan and Kashmir, affect investor confidence. Pakistan and China are urging verifiable action against terrorism in Afghanistan, while regional disputes continue to pose operational and reputational risks.

Northern Powerhouse Rail Investment

The government has committed up to £45 billion for Northern Powerhouse Rail, aiming to transform connectivity between major cities. This long-term infrastructure project will boost regional growth, create jobs, and unlock new business opportunities, but faces delivery risks.

Weak Business Activity and Sluggish Growth

South Africa’s private sector ended 2025 with the weakest business activity among major African economies, as the PMI fell to 47.7. Weaker domestic and international demand, along with high unemployment, constrain growth prospects and limit opportunities for expansion and supply chain resilience.