McKinsey Global Institute

Geometry of global trade

Explore McKinsey Global Institute research on how the geometry of global trade has been shifting toward geopolitically closer partners.
A glowing blue sphere composed of segmented, grid-lined layers appears to float above a reflective digital surface. The futuristic design suggests global trade, interconnected systems, and a world being reshaped by shifting economic flows.

Geopolitics and the geometry of global trade: September 2026 update

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Six regional briefings track how goods trade is evolving across major economies through partner realignments and sectoral shifts.

More Insights

A stylized blue globe with continents visible, divided into several horizontal slices slightly separated from each other. The sphere tilts gently to one side as the layers appear to float above a smooth surface, creating a modern, futuristic look.
Report - MGI Research
Geopolitics and the geometry of global trade: 2026 update
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Tariff splashes, AI waves, and the ripples reshaping global trade.
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Interactive - MGI Research
Global trade explorer
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To navigate a more complex and challenging era requires deeper understanding of the full picture of the evolution of global trade...
Sea of floating orbs busting out of a sphere made of a mesh network of wire.
Report - MGI Research

The FDI shake-up: How foreign direct investment today may shape industry and trade tomorrow

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Announced FDI projects signal further changes in the geometry of global trade and the future map of international business.
An abstract ribbon that twists and overlaps, resembling a multicolored mobius strip. The ribbon is striped with colors including yellow, orange, teal, blue, and purple, and it is set against a dark blue background.
Article - MGI Research

The great trade rearrangement

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A newly defined “rearrangement ratio” gauges the potential to rearrange US imports from China and how this could ripple across the globe.
A sliced layered blue sphere on a dark blue gradiated background.
Article - MGI Research

Geopolitics and the geometry of global trade: 2025 update

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Trade reconfiguration continues along geopolitical lines, this update with 2024 data shows.

Featured experts

Jeongmin Seong
McKinsey Global Institute PartnerTokyo
Leads MGI’s research on global connections
Nick Leung
McKinsey Global Institute Director and Senior PartnerHong Kong
Leads research on global economic and business trends and regional research on Asia Pacific and China; advises global and Asian companies across a range of industries.
Tiago Devesa
Senior Fellow, McKinsey Global InstituteLisbon
Leads MGI research on global flows of trade and capital; as well as on the technologies and supply chains that shape the global energy system

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