How conflicts change the global business chain


In recent years, geopolitical conflicts and tensions have gone from being isolated events to becoming structuring factors in the dynamics of international trade. Globalization, once sustained by integrated value chains optimized for efficiency, is giving way to a scenario of strategic reconfiguration, in which security, regulatory stability, and political alignment are now guiding commercial decisions. This shift directly impacts companies of all sizes, requiring new approaches to preserve competitiveness and mitigate risks in an increasingly fragmented global environment. 

Faced with this new landscape, the flow of goods, services, and investments no longer follows traditional economic logic, but also responds to diplomatic pressures, strategic disputes, and shifts in the balance of power between nations. Companies and governments, seeking resilience, are reevaluating partnerships, routes, and operating models, redesigning their commercial connections to adapt to an environment where predictability has become an increasingly rare resource.

Fragmentation and realignment of trade chains

The current geopolitical scenario has encouraged companies and governments to adopt the concept of friendshoring, that is, the relocation of production chains to politically allied countries. This measure reduces the risk of sudden disruptions and ensures the continuity of operations amid regional instability. According to the World Economic Forum, this fragmentation also reflects a growing distrust in multilateral institutions and in the global trading system itself, forcing a reconfiguration of priority routes and markets.

A typical movement of friendshoring This can be observed in automotive companies, which are reconfiguring their supply chains in response to trade disputes and rising tariffs. This reorientation, in this case, has prioritized partnerships within Latin America, especially with Mercosur countries such as Argentina and Paraguay, taking advantage of trade agreements that favor tariff reductions and reduced exposure to external risks.

This strategic shift reinforces logistical and regulatory predictability, in addition to favoring more regionalized and resilient production.

Protectionist measures

The use of tariffs and trade barriers as geopolitical tools has been gaining momentum, directly impacting costs, margins, and the predictability of international operations. According to the Financial Times, policies of reshoring Aggressive measures (repatriation of production) have the potential to reduce global trade by up to 18% and cause a drop of up to 12% in global GDP. At the same time, measures such as the recent tariff package implemented by the United States fuel a scenario of uncertainty and regulatory instability, hindering the consolidation of lasting trade agreements.

For Brazil, this scenario of intensified tariffs and trade barriers represents both risks and opportunities. As a major exporter of agricultural and mineral commodities, the country may face increased costs and reduced competitiveness in markets where new barriers are imposed. At the same time, the fragmentation of global supply chains may favor Brazil's repositioning as a strategic supplier for countries seeking to diversify partners and reduce dependence on unstable regions. However, to capitalize on these opportunities, it will be essential to invest in broader trade agreements, modernize logistics infrastructure, and adopt policies that ensure regulatory predictability and legal certainty for international investors and partners.

Logistics disruptions and operations redesign

Conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, attacks in the Red Sea, and tensions in the Taiwan Strait have led to port blockades, higher transportation costs, and significant delays in the movement of goods. The impact directly affects strategic sectors such as energy, food, technology, manufacturing, and agribusiness, forcing companies to rethink inventories, diversify suppliers, and redesign their logistics chains. In this movement, solutions such as the use of less congested ports, agreements with operators in politically stable regions, and greater integration between land, sea, and air transport modes are gaining momentum. These are essential measures to reduce risks, contain costs, and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly unstable global scenario.

In this context, Brazil has adopted strategies to adapt to these transformations, including expanding trade agreements, investing in port infrastructure, and diversifying export routes. These initiatives aim to strengthen the country's logistical resilience and position it as a strategic partner for markets seeking safer and more diversified supply chains.

BRING's performance in these scenarios

We act as a strategic partner for companies facing this challenging global environment. Our approach includes:

  • Personalized geopolitical diagnosis, identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for commercial repositioning.
  • Market and supplier diversification planning, incorporating practices of friendshoring and risk mitigation.
  • Adapted logistics and regulatory modeling, ensuring legal and operational security in different jurisdictions.

Combining market intelligence, an international network of partners, and practical experience in internationalization projects, BRING transforms uncertainties into solid strategies for global growth.

Thus, rather than reacting to changes in international trade, our clients begin to anticipate them, positioning themselves strategically in key markets and building lasting business relationships. This is how BRING consolidates its role as a bridge between global opportunities and concrete results, driving business beyond borders with security, adaptability, and forward-thinking vision.

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