The good news is SMEs have plenty to look forward to as economic and political volatility subsides and supply chains grow smarter and more streamlined

Causes for optimism about global trade in 2023 and 2024

25.4%

New technology supports greater supply chain monitoring and efficiency

25%

End of the Covid-19 pandemic

22.8%

Rise in global economic growth rates

18.8%

Growing consumer class in emerging markets

18.5%

Increased political stability and transparency

18.1%

Increased attention and support from national governments

17.1%

Improved supply chain connectivity across systems and infrastructure

17%

New trade agreements lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers

25.4%

New technology supports greater supply chain monitoring and efficiency

25%

End of the Covid-19 pandemic

22.8%

Rise in global economic growth rates

18.8%

Growing consumer class in emerging markets

18.5%

Increased political stability and transparency

18.1%

Increased attention and support from national governments

17.1%

Improved supply chain connectivity across systems and infrastructure

17%

New trade agreements lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers

25.4%

New technology supports greater supply chain monitoring and efficiency

25%

End of the Covid-19 pandemic

22.8%

Rise in global economic growth rates

18.8%

Growing consumer class in emerging markets

18.5%

Increased political stability and transparency

18.1%

Increased attention and support from national governments

17.1%

Improved supply chain connectivity across systems and infrastructure

17%

New trade agreements lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers

25.4%

New technology supports greater supply chain monitoring and efficiency

25%

End of the Covid-19 pandemic

22.8%

Rise in global economic growth rates

18.8%

Growing consumer class in emerging markets

18.5%

Increased political stability and transparency

18.1%

Increased attention and support from national governments

17.1%

Improved supply chain connectivity across systems and infrastructure

17%

New trade agreements lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers

Economist Impact, 2023