We’ve already seen a lot in trade this year, and we’re just two months in. Where are these trends heading?

And how can businesses take advantage of these new opportunities?

In today’s sub-chapter:

I’ve already seen 30+ trade headlines on the GHY Trade Updates page, my go-to trade tracker.

Deals so far include: 

BTW, Happy Valentine’s Day! 💘

Going back… tariffs aren’t slowing down either. For example, the U.S.:

From what we’re seeing so far, global trade is moving in a new direction. Buckle up!

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Bangladesh was the first country in South Asia to complete a reciprocal trade deal with the U.S. Which is a huge step in opening new markets for U.S. exporters.

 In fact, U.S. goods exports to Bangladesh were already about $2.21 billion in 2024, which means there is existing demand and commercial engagement that the new deal can build on.

Similarly, the U.S.–India trade deal lowers tariffs to 18 % and creates more opportunities for machinery, textiles, and energy products, while the Argentina deal opens access for U.S. beef, pork, poultry, and industrial goods.

We’re seeing a rise in smaller, more targeted bilateral and regional trade agreements that create quicker, more flexible market access between trading countries. The latest multilateral framework I could remember is the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce in 2024.

Rules of origin add to costs and supply chain complexity. Under USMCA, the regional value content for autos rose from 62.5 % (NAFTA) to 75%, with additional labor and steel requirements. The Federal Reserve estimates compliance costs add 1.4 %–2.5 % to manufactured goods, and by 2025, some companies had effectively doubled their tariff exposure.

Global trade is entering an era of geopolitical fragmentation and realignment, according to UNCTAD. Countries are adjusting their trade rules and imposing tariffs based on strategic priorities, protectionist objectives… and national security (which seems to be broad enough to cover borderline goods like kitchen cabinets.)

Governments are increasingly using sector‑specific duties, exemptions, and carve‑outs (e.g., tech, energy, critical minerals). We’ve seen this trend in 2024–26. For instance, the U.S. has imposed a 25 % tariff on certain semiconductors under Section 232 unless they support U.S. technology supply chains like data centers.

Uncertainty around trade policy and tariffs adds real costs for businesses. When firms are unsure about future tariffs or their timing, they delay investment, hold higher inventories, and hesitate to commit to suppliers or long-term contracts.

In 2024, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union were more exposed to U.S. policy uncertainty, even before any measures are implemented.

So, how can businesses adapt to the trade changes and capitalize on new opportunities? 

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, here are 10 reasons to love global trade despite tariffs and ongoing uncertainty.

🇺🇸🇧🇩 U.S. and Bangladesh Reach Reciprocal Trade Agreement. Bangladesh lowers tariffs on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, while the U.S. applies a 19% tariff on Bangladeshi products, with some textiles and apparel eligible for zero tariffs. The deal removes non-tariff barriers and includes $3.5B in agricultural and $15B in energy deals.

🇺🇸🇮🇳 U.S. and India Agree on Interim Trade Framework. India will reduce or eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, while the U.S. applies an 18% tariff on select Indian products. Additionally, the U.S. removed the additional 25% tariff imposed on Indian goods for Russian oil purchases. New Delhi has pledged to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil.

🇨🇦 CBSA Updates Mass Adjustment Submissions. CBSA’s Customs Notice 26-03 updates mass adjustment rules effective February 2, 2026. Form BSF987 is now mandatory, mass adjustments apply only to CADs in CARM, and up to three reason codes may be used. Non-compliant submissions will be rejected, and time limits will not be protected.

🛑 Trump Orders Tariffs on Countries Trading with Iran. President Trump authorized additional tariffs on countries that trade directly or indirectly with Iran. U.S. agencies will identify qualifying nations, recommend rates, and enforce the measures. Tariffs may be adjusted based on retaliation, policy changes, or Iran’s behavior.

U.S. Customs processed about 1.36 billion duty‑free, low‑value parcels in 2024. That’s millions of small shipments every day. 

Until the de minimis exemption ended in August 2025.

At a recent event by Supply Chain Dive and Retail Dive, experts shared four ways to thrive in a post-de minimis world. 

Clear Small Parcel Shipments Faster with GHY eBiz

Under new rules, CBP‑approved qualified parties can collect and remit duties on international mail. GHY eBiz, added to the list of qualified parties in January 2026, helps importers clear small parcels with digital customs, landed-cost calculations, and streamlined logistics.

In her latest LinkedIn post, Sonali Thukral, a global trade compliance expert, shares that Customs Notice 26‑02, along with the Surtax on Imports of Certain Steel Goods Remission Order (2025), doesn’t create new relief but “makes it practical”.

The notice, according to her, sets clear expectations for documentation, schedule matching, proof of transit, and a two-year claim window.

Which turns uncertainty into a process. This change provides a “legitimate path to recover surtaxes that would otherwise be sunk costs.”

Follow Sonali on LinkedIn for more global trade insights, or reach out for guidance on remission claims and steel import compliance.

And speaking of steel imports, GHY recently released a comprehensive guide to Canada’s TRQs and the 25% steel derivative surtax, which covers everything from documentation to reporting requirements.

Google needs a Logistics Trade Compliance Operations Manager to oversee trade compliance across the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait). 

Location: Dubai, UAE

Requirements:

Apply Now!