Tim Phillips returns with regular NatWest guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to talk trade. This time, they focus on the super big questions: how is the very nature of trade evolving and whether the era of globalisation is nearing an end?

They also discuss:

• Trade Patterns: Trade volumes, particularly in services and digital trade, are still increasing, but supply chains are becoming more regional and complex.

• Regional trade blocs: How the world is shifting from a single regime to a multi-polar, bloc-based system influenced by political alignment and strategic interests.

• Security concerns and the weather in Helsinki.

• Plus, what wrong-footed them last-time: the free trade agreement signed between the UK and India.

To read Aastha's latest Trade Tracker, click here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/finance/trade-tracker-uk-trade-deals-in-focus.html

 This episode was recorded on 2 June 2025

All details correct at time of recording.

For any terms used please refer to this glossary https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html

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