At the 55th World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) Global Business Forum (GBF) in Marseille, France, global trade leaders issued a strong call for increased international cooperation to stabilize markets and safeguard economic growth amid rising tariff tensions and global uncertainty.
Angela Ellard, deputy director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), highlighted the risks of reactionary trade measures, warning that recent tariff actions could lead to a 1 percent contraction in global merchandise trade volumes for 2025—down nearly four points from earlier forecasts. “Avoid a downward spiral that hurts everyone,” Ellard advised, urging WTO members to resolve disputes through dialogue and uphold a multilateral trading system.
Echoing her message, WTCA board chair John E. Drew underscored the importance of open markets and steady leadership. “WTCA remains committed to promoting free and fair trade,” he said, citing the organization’s global reach in nearly 100 countries as a stabilizing force for international business collaboration.
With more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries in attendance, the GBF served as a platform for strategic dialogue and reinforced the shared commitment of WTO and WTCA to resilient, rules-based trade. Both organizations emphasized that collaboration—not isolation—is the key to navigating today’s complex global trade environment and ensuring long-term prosperity.
