Businesses across the world are facing trade uncertainty and with changing tariffs and trade policies, operations are having to adapt.
HSBC’s latest Global Trade Pulse Survey found that firms are becoming more resilient to trade obstacles and are rethinking their trading strategies.
With confidence slowly returning, firms are having to understand how to maintain long-term growth and not let trade uncertainty hold them back.
What has HSBC’s recent survey revealed?
HSBC gathered insights from 6,750 decision-makers across 17 markets on how trade uncertainty is affecting their business.
The survey found that there was a gradual increase in confidence when facing the trade market and businesses did not feel as much economic strain as they did in the first half of 2025.
The key findings included:
- More than 80 per cent of businesses are diversifying supply chains
- 67 per cent feel more certain about the impact of trade policies than they did six months ago
- 50 per cent are planning to enter new markets
- 77 per cent feel more confident in understanding recent policy changes
For many businesses, worries over revenue loss from supply chain disruption have reduced and only 22 per cent expect a negative revenue impact of more than 25 per cent over the next few years.
More than half of the firms expect revenues to rise in the next six months and nearly 60 per cent forecast growth over the next two years.
However, the challenges of international trading are still prevalent and firms, especially in the US, India and the UK, are preparing for further increases in tariffs and shipping and transport costs.
How can businesses prepare?
Trade uncertainty is forcing businesses to rethink their models and take proactive steps to manage rising costs.
Many firms are diversifying their operations and reassessing their manufacturing and processing locations.
Nearly half of businesses are rebalancing their product and service mix and 43 per cent are considering mergers or acquisitions to strengthen their position.
Investing in digital tools and AI is also being considered to help manage rising operating costs and improve forecasting.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, many businesses are seeing these operational changes as an opportunity to improve their long-term growth.
How can businesses keep moving forward?
Companies are gaining a clearer understanding of policy shifts and are not letting changing tariffs and trade policies hold them back.
Global trade uncertainty is becoming a constant and it is important to stay informed on international trade policies and take proactive steps.
When creating a clear business strategy, firms should reach out for financial advice to make sure they stay compliant.
Contact our team for advice on how to grow your business through these new international trade opportunities.