Payment delays and geopolitics test exporters
by Ben Poole
While war in the Middle East added another shock to the global economy, 75% of firms still expect positive export growth this year.
Trade Finance
Background
Trade finance helps to make international supply chains work smoothly and efficiently. Finance costs in the supply chain can be material. As a general principle, supply chains are most efficient when…
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Global PMIs flash warning as war drives inflation spike and stalls growth
by Ben Poole
A surge in inflation and a clear loss of growth momentum has begun to filter through the global economy.
War clouds improving global business outlook as supply chains rebound
by Ben Poole
Firms entered 2026 with improving confidence and strengthening manufacturing demand, but war in the Middle East now threatens supply chains.
Treasury adapts as AI and tariffs reshape supply chains
by Ben Poole
Corporate supply chain strategies are being reshaped by higher funding costs, tariff uncertainty and a more fragmented geopolitical landscape.
Global supply chains soften further ahead of 2026
by Ben Poole
After a turbulent two years for production lines, global supply chains are entering 2026 in a noticeably quieter state.
Cost pressures mount as UK CFOs retreat from investment
by Ben Poole
UK finance leaders are entering Q4 in a cautious mood, with cost expectations rising sharply and profit forecasts falling to multi-year lows.
US CEOs bet on AI as supply chain costs and workforce pressures mount
by Ben Poole
US chief execs are accelerating their investment in AI while rethinking supply chain strategies and workforce models to sustain growth.
Tariff turbulence triggers cash flow strain and supply chain risk
by Ben Poole
US businesses are facing rising costs, late supplier payments and a growing risk of fraud as they scramble to manage the fallout from trade tariffs.
Asian manufacturing activity falls to 17-month low as tariffs hit China-based suppliers
by Ben Poole
Supply chain activity in Asia deteriorated further in May, with GEP’s regional sub-index falling to -0.40.
Global trade disruption forces UK CEOs to re-evaluate investment strategies
by Ben Poole
UK CEOs are adjusting their strategic investment plans as geopolitical, macroeconomic and trade uncertainties continue to disrupt global markets.
Growth slows and inflation builds as global PMIs diverge
by Ben Poole
Business activity across the UK, Eurozone and US showed diverging trajectories in May.
Tariffs trigger sharpest drop in global manufacturing demand
by Ben Poole
Global manufacturers cut purchases at the fastest pace this year in April.
Trade under fire: firms scramble to counter tariff risks
by Ben Poole
While more than 80% of firms are actively managing tariff risk, the majority believe trade barriers are here to stay.
Swift’s 10 takeaways from Sibos 2024
by Ben Poole
Sibos 2024 saw four days of talks and expert insights as the global financial community gathered in Beijing.
Digitalisation’s growing impact on trade finance revealed
by Ben Poole
There is a growing need for trade finance to support post-pandemic growth and supply chain recalibration.
Ninety countries join e-commerce initiative – Industry roundup: 30 July
by Graham Buck
Three rate decisions awaited; Russia hikes rates to 18%; Supply chain shortage dents Porsche; Slovenia first EU nation to issue sovereign digital bond
Hong Kong and France join forces on CBDCs – Industry roundup: 4 July
by Graham Buck
EIB funds North Sea wind farm; MSCI and Moody’s form ESG partnership; New facility to boost Africa trade; SMBC Aviation Capital raises US$1.5 billion
VW shares electric dreams with Rivian – Industry roundup: 27 June
by Graham Buck
US big banks pass Fed's stress test; ECB turns down new euro members; 'Great Resignation' continues, says PwC; Australia's inflation higher
EU delays Basel bank trading reforms to January 2026 – Industry roundup: 20 June
by Graham Buck
UK inflation hits 2% target; Fitch predicts 7.2% growth for India; IMF assesses Middle East CBDCs; Sustainable food supply chains project
UK business investment trails other G7 members – Industry roundup: 18 June
by Graham Buck
BNY Mellon rebrands; Canada, ADB launch C$360m climate fund; Yale team focuses on improving supply chains; Moody's warns on Pakistan's debt
Fed dampens US rate cut expectations – Industry roundup: 13 June
by Graham Buck
Brazil inflation setback; Technical glitch hits RBI facility; BlackRock “seeks private-debt partners”; HSBC boosts stake in China JV
France‘s snap election rattles investors – Industry roundup: 11 June
by Graham Buck
Saudi Arabia joins Project mBridge; Help planned for US small businesses; Apple joins forces with OpenAI; Shangri-La Asia issues first panda bond
ECB set to follow Bank of Canada with rate cut – Industry roundup: 6 June
by Graham Buck
Australia's Q1 economic growth at 0.1%; China plans carbon measurement standards; Bloomberg offers T+1 FX fixings; IFC, HSBC aid Mexico supply chain
South Africa to hold rates ahead of election result – Industry roundup: 30 May
by Graham Buck
ABN Amro acquires German bank; Global debt “has risen to US$315 trillion”; N26 blames regulator for lost growth; IFS-PwC UK sustainability venture