DHL Global Connectedness Tracker Reveals Resilience of Globalization Amid Geopolitical Shifts

DHL Global Connectedness Tracker Reveals Resilience of Globalization Amid Geopolitical Shifts

(IN BRIEF) The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker 2024 reveals that globalization remains strong, with international trade reaching near record levels. It highlights the growing role of unaligned countries in global trade, the continued expansion of information flows, and the resilience of global trade despite regionalization trends. The report underscores the importance of interconnected markets and the need for businesses to remain engaged in the global economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 20-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — DHL, in collaboration with New York University’s Stern School of Business, has released its latest Global Connectedness Tracker, a comprehensive tool that offers real-time insights into the state of globalization. This updated analysis tracks the flow of trade, capital, information, and people across borders, providing an in-depth look at how these movements continue to shape the world economy.

The 2024 report reveals that, despite geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, the share of global economic output traded internationally remains near historic highs. In 2023, 21% of global goods and services were traded across borders, just shy of the all-time high of 22% reached in 2008 and 2022. These figures highlight the enduring importance of global trade, offering businesses and nations opportunities to thrive in an interconnected world.

One of the most notable trends uncovered in the Tracker is the rise of “unaligned” countries—those that are not close allies of either the U.S. or China—which have increasingly become crucial players in global trade. The share of trade involving these countries has grown from 42% in 2016 to 47% in 2024, with nations like the UAE, India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Mexico seeing significant gains. These countries are emerging as vital economic bridges between geopolitical rivals.

The Tracker also contradicts claims of regionalization overtaking globalization. Despite growing interest in producing goods closer to customers, data shows that traded goods are traveling farther than ever before. In 2024, traded goods traversed the longest average distance on record—almost 5,000 km. Additionally, the share of regional trade reached a new low of 51%, further reinforcing the ongoing trend of globalization.

Steven Altman, Senior Research Scholar at NYU Stern, noted the importance of understanding these dynamics amidst political debate:
“In turbulent times, it’s crucial to look beyond political rhetoric to understand the true state of globalization. Despite global challenges, trade flows continue to prove resilient. As long as markets remain interconnected, companies that withdraw from globalization risk losing their competitive edge.”

The Global Connectedness Tracker also highlights how information flows have become the most globalized area, with significant growth driven by digitalization, while people flows (such as migration and travel) remain notably less globalized.

As businesses and governments navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Tracker’s data serves as a critical resource for decision-makers aiming to understand the true patterns of global trade and capitalize on the opportunities that globalization continues to offer.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group positively contributes to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

New York University Stern School of Business, located in the heart of Greenwich Village and deeply connected to the City after which it is named, is one of the United States’ premier management education schools and research centers. NYU Stern offers a broad portfolio of transformational programs at graduate, undergraduate, and executive levels, all of them enriched by the dynamism and profound resources of one of the world’s business capitals. NYU Stern is a welcoming community that inspires its members to embrace and lead change in a rapidly transforming world. Visit www.stern.nyu.edu.

Media Contacts:

DHL:
Sabine Hartmann
Corporate Issues
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

NYU Stern:

Media Relations:

Carolyn Ritter
Phone: +1 212 998 0624
Email: critter@stern.nyu.edu

Jeffrey Piascik
Phone: +1 212 998 0906
Email: jpiascik@stern.nyu.edu

SOURCE: DHL