Services Are the New Fault Lines in Global Trade

BCG
BCG
3M ago
Geopolitical shifts are reshaping the global services trade landscape, with digital services becoming focal points in international commerce and regulatory scrutiny.
Services Are the New Fault Lines in Global Trade
A What happened
The global services trade is poised for significant growth, projected to reach $11.7 trillion by 2032, driven by geopolitical changes and the increasing importance of digital services. As governments assert greater control over data and digital platforms, companies are shifting from global to regional service models to comply with varying regulations. This fragmentation complicates operations and raises costs, as firms must tailor their offerings to meet local requirements. The U.S. leads in services exports, with a notable surplus, while countries like China are rapidly increasing their service export capabilities. However, the rise of non-tariff measures and regulatory actions poses new vulnerabilities for service providers, making it essential for businesses to anticipate disruptions and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Key insights

  • 1

    Growth of Services Trade: Projected to reach $11.7 trillion by 2032, services trade is growing rapidly.

  • 2

    Impact of Geopolitics: Geopolitical factors are reshaping how services are delivered globally.

  • 3

    Regulatory Scrutiny: Digital services face increased regulatory scrutiny, affecting operations.

  • 4

    Fragmentation of Services: Companies are localizing data storage to comply with diverse regulations.

  • 5

    Cost Implications: Fragmentation raises operational costs for global service providers.

Takeaways

Businesses must adapt to the evolving landscape of global services trade to remain competitive.

Topics

Business & Markets Markets Innovation

Read the full article on BCG

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