Cross-border data flows are essential for efficient global supply chains, enabling real-time coordination and logistics across borders. ICC provides concrete recommendations to align policies with operational realities and keep trade flowing.

Speaking live in an interview on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power show with hosts Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO discussed current trade policy tensions and what it means for the international business community.

In the previous issue of this newsletter we heard that the USA represents just 13% of global trade. In our conversation with Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom Chris Southworth, he said that “we need to focus on the remaining 87% of the global trade system.”

The ICC convened a timely briefing to update business stakeholders on the UN-led process to negotiate a new Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

As global trade becomes increasingly politicised, polarised, and unpredictable, how should businesses respond? On 20 May, ICC Netherlands gathered leading voices from business, policy, and finance to explore the realities—and responsibilities—of trading in a multipolar world. What emerged was a clear message: navigating complexity isn’t optional, it’s strategic.

Mediation under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Understanding can help governments resolve trade frictions faster, cheaper and more constructively – if they’re willing to use it. ICC is making the case.

In a joint Business Call to Action more than 80 businesses and supporting organisations from 25 countries, including 55 businesses representing over €600 billion in turnover and 2 million employees, urged both private and public decisions-makers to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.

Sustainability is everywhere – but what does it really mean for a business to be sustainable? And who gets to define it? To get some answers, we spoke to Ed Gillespie, whose credentials involve nearly three decades at the forefront of sustainability.

On 28 May, ICC Netherlands joined forces with CMS and the Academy of Legal Mediation for a highly interactive and well-attended afternoon dedicated to exploring the strategic use of mediation in commercial disputes.

In response to a US proposal to increase tariffs on European Union goods, ICC is calling for redoubled ongoing efforts to renew the US-EU trade relationship.

The Dutch government has taken an important first step in the digitalisation of trade by submitting a bill to Parliament that formally recognises the legal validity of electronic bills of lading (eBLs).

Organisations are often well-insured against rare events like fires but underestimate the frequent and damaging risks of integrity violations such as fraud or misconduct; investing in a strong integrity culture and internal reporting procedures is essential for early detection and reduced harm.