The future of trade is resilience, says the Standard Chartered report - Trade Treasury Payments

Global trade is facing one of its turbulent decades. Supply chain shocks, geopolitical tensions, and rapid digitalisation are redefining how companies operate and compete. Standard Chartered Corporate & Investment Banking’s Future of Trade: Resilience offers a comprehensive overview of this landscape by drawing on insights from 1,200 corporate leaders across 17 markets and multiple sectors between July and early August 2025. 

The report states that while tariffs still get a lot of attention, they are just one part of a bigger picture. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), as well as global economic growth patterns, geopolitics, and climate change, are all equally critical drivers shaping global trade over the next three to five years. In fact, 53% of corporates rank tariffs, emerging technologies, and global economic growth as top strategic drivers.

Multi-pronged strategies to power resilience

Corporates are adopting holistic, multi-faceted strategies to build resilience and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Around 57% of respondents plan to adjust treasury management strategies, increase digitalisation efforts, and realign supply chains geographically to forge new trade corridors.

The report states that the strategic role of corporate treasury has intensified amid currency volatility and complex trade routes. Adjusting treasury management is a priority, especially in Africa and the Middle East, where liquidity pressures and regional instability demand cash flow optimisation. Digitalisation, including cloud computing, AI, and digital assets, is viewed as a critical enabler, with 57% of corporates emphasising increased digital efforts. 

In ASEAN markets like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, digitalisation is particularly prominent, with the region’s youthful, tech-savvy populations and burgeoning e-commerce sectors. Supply Chain Realignment is also part of the strategy, with 56% of corporates prioritising it. It helps mitigate geopolitical risks and tap into growth markets. However, it comes at a cost. 

More than 60% of respondents expect goods costs to rise by 5% to 14% in the medium term due to supply chain adjustments. ASEAN, African, and Middle Eastern corporates are adopting more strategic treasury management to manage these costs, while those in Greater China and North Asia often pass costs downstream.

Regional hotspots and trade corridors shaping the future of trade

The report highlights several key markets and trade corridors that are shaping the future of global trade. For instance, India stands out with its sector-specific Special Economic Zones like GIFT City, positioning itself as a growing financial and manufacturing hub. Its large population and expanding middle class make it a vital engine for growth. 

Malaysia is a key player in ASEAN, attracting trade from Mainland China, the U.S., and other ASEAN countries, with initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone aimed at reducing operational costs and risks.

Indonesia, as the largest ASEAN economy, is vital for sourcing, manufacturing, and exports, bolstered by financial reforms and a young middle class. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa are becoming significant for supply chain diversification and digital trade, driven by government investments in technology.

Supply Chain Finance platforms bridging gaps and boosting inclusivity

Supply chain finance (SCF) platforms are essential for building resilience and inclusivity in business. Currently, 40% of corporations use digital SCF platforms, with another 55% planning to adopt them in the next two years. These platforms strengthen relationships among suppliers, buyers, and financial institutions, facilitating financing deeper in the supply chain. This is particularly impactful for smaller businesses, which form the backbone of the global economy.

The report cites that mass adoption of SCF platforms could boost trade in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East by 7.5% by 2030, helping to close the multi-trillion-dollar trade finance gap. However, there are challenges, including supplier onboarding, system integration, and data security concerns, which require close public-private partnerships to resolve.

AI working as a double-edged sword

The report stresses that emerging technologies, especially AI, are reshaping trade and supply chain operations. 53% of corporates rank emerging technologies as critical trade drivers, equal in importance to tariffs and economic growth. 

Markets like Nigeria, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are leading in technology adoption, investing heavily in AI, blockchain, robotics, and digital assets to diversify economies and unlock new export opportunities.

Digital wallets, instant payments, and AI-driven fraud detection are also among the most disruptive trends expected in the near term. These innovations come with risks. They create uncertainty around regulations, increase the chance of cybersecurity threats, and add to the complexity of integrating new systems with legacy infrastructure.

3Cs: Costs, compliance, and customer expectations

Cost is a big concern. Inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and changes in the supply chain are likely to increase the prices of goods.

62% of corporates anticipate a 5% to 14% rise in goods costs over the next three to five years. To address this, businesses are downsizing workforces, passing costs to customers, or adopting cautious strategies.

Regulatory uncertainty is the top disruptive trend that organisations feel unprepared for, according to 43% of executives. Other significant challenges include cybersecurity, rising customer demands for seamless embedded payments, and AI-driven payment decisions. There are also compliance issues related to monitoring transactions in real-time, following open banking rules, and meeting AI transparency standards.

The future of trade is undeniably complex but full of opportunity. That said, resilience is no longer a defensive posture but a proactive strategy.