Berlin, Germany – German industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp stated that global trade is experiencing an unprecedented period of turmoil,
noting that instability has become the defining characteristic of what it termed the “new normal” in the international business environment,
amid escalating military conflicts, intensifying trade wars, and increasing political interference.
In remarks made by Supervisory Board Chairman Siegfried Rosswurm ahead of
the group’s annual general meeting scheduled for January 30, the company added that the rules-based global trading system,
which has prevailed for decades, is rapidly eroding, negatively impacting companies’ ability to plan for the long term and make sound investment decisions.
Political decisions and interventions
Roswurm explained that geopolitical tensions, coupled with protectionist policies and the US-led trade war, have contributed to
a highly uncertain environment, where companies constantly face new political decisions
and interventions that are not accompanied by clear or stable economic incentives.
He emphasized that these developments make it difficult for major industrial companies to adapt to the rapid changes in global supply chains and markets.
The German official pointed out that what distinguishes the current phase is that instability is no longer
an exception or an emergency, but rather the norm that companies must contend with.
He noted that political factors now play a central role in shaping global trade conditions, at the expense of traditional economic considerations.
The future of global trade
These statements come at a time when major European industrial companies are facing increasing challenges, including rising energy costs,
supply chain disruptions, slowing growth in some key markets, and the pressures of global competition.
ThyssenKrupp emphasized that dealing with this “new normal” requires companies to be more flexible in their strategies,
diversify their markets and supply chains more broadly, and enhance their ability to manage geopolitical risks.
Observers believe that the company’s warnings reflect growing concern within European industrial circles
about the future of global trade in light of escalating political and economic divisions on the international stage.
