Despite geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, and increasing uncertainty about trade policies, globalization continues at historically high levels , according to the Global Connectivity Report 2026 , produced by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business, which shows that international flows of trade, capital, information, and people remain resilient.

The study—based on more than nine million data points—indicated that the global level of connectivity reached 25% in 2025 , the same record level achieved in 2022. This suggests that, although political and trade barriers persist, countries and companies are largely maintaining their international links.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, highlighted that the continued high levels of globalization reflect its importance in addressing global challenges.

“Globalization remains strong, and that alone speaks volumes about its value. The world’s greatest challenges can only be solved through global thinking,” he stated.

The report highlighted that global trade grew in 2025 at its fastest pace since 2017 , excluding the volatile period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of this growth was attributed to the United States bringing forward its imports in anticipation of potential tariff increases.

Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence significantly boosted trade. Products related to this technology accounted for 42% of the growth in global merchandise trade in the first three quarters of 2025 , according to data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) .

Looking ahead, the report anticipates that US tariffs could moderate trade growth, but not halt it. Global merchandise trade is projected to grow by an average of 2.6% annually until 2029 , a rate similar to that of the past decade.

The United States and China reduce their trade ties.

One of the most noticeable changes in global dynamics is the gradual decoupling between the United States and China . Trade between the two economies accounted for only 2.0% of global trade during the first three quarters of 2025 , down from 2.7% in 2024 and 3.6% at its peak in 2015.

However, the report highlighted that this reduction has a limited impact on the global landscape. Even with the distancing between these two powers, the world economy shows no signs of splitting into rival trading blocs.

In fact, during the last decade only between 4% and 6% of global trade and investment flows have been diverted from geopolitical rivals , and most have gone to economies with more flexible positions, such as India or Vietnam.

Beyond trade, the report identified mixed trends in other international flows:

• Capital: Global foreign direct investment increased and cross-border mergers and acquisitions remained strong, although announced investment in new facilities fell in 2025.
• Information: Digital flows, which had been the most dynamic engine of globalization, show greater volatility since 2021 due to geopolitical tensions and data restrictions.
• People: After the collapse caused by the pandemic, international travel, student mobility and migration reached new all-time highs.

Record trade distances

Contrary to predictions of regionalization in supply chains, the report highlights that goods traveled the greatest average distance on record in 2025: 5,010 kilometers (km) . Similarly, foreign direct investment projects in new facilities reached a record average distance of 6,250 km .

These figures suggest that, despite geopolitical tensions, companies continue to operate in global networks and have not migrated massively towards regional models.

In the ranking of the most globalized countries, Singapore remains in first place, followed by Luxembourg and the Netherlands . At the regional level, Europe leads the ranking, followed by North America and the Middle East and North Africa .

For its part, Mexico ranked 78th out of 180 economies , with data from 2024. Although its position has not improved since 2019, the country advanced eight places compared to 2023 and registered a slight increase in its score.

The report highlighted that Mexico’s trade pattern reflects its strategic role within North American supply chains . Approximately 87% of its exports go to the United States and Canada , while these countries account for only 41% of its imports , demonstrating a more diversified supply network.

According to the analysis, this role could strengthen as more companies continue to invest in Mexico to diversify their supply chains in the face of dependence on China.

Steven A. Altman, director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern, noted that the political debate about globalization is often more volatile than the economic reality.

“The risks to globalization are real, but so is the resilience of global flows,” he said.

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Through the delivery of the first units of a fleet of 81 JAC Sunray Cargo Euro 6 vehicles that will strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of its operations in the country , DHL Express Mexico established an alliance with the automotive manufacturer and its distributor Grupo Andrade

Antonio Arranz, CEO of DHL Express Mexico, described the delivery as “graduation day,” after the vehicles passed the company’s rigorous testing processes . He revealed that the agreement includes the acquisition of 1,002 vehicles in total, representing an investment of $84 million.

“What we sell is extremely high quality , and we cannot have suppliers who do not have the quality that our subscribers deserve,” he said.

For his part, Elías Masrri, CEO of Giant Motors Latinoamérica (GML) , emphasized that this collaboration symbolizes the union of a global company with a Mexican one that is committed to national talent . He noted that GML is the only Mexican automotive firm that assembles, markets, and supports a complete brand, with its plant in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo, as a strategic asset.

“Each unit we deliver today represents employment, development, and an investment in Mexico. We are confident that this will be just the first of many stages in a relationship that is very important to us,” he emphasized.

Miguel Ángel Iglesias, General Director of the Automotive Division of Grupo Andrade, expressed his gratitude to DHL for the trust placed in JAC and Grupo Andrade. He emphasized that the delivery of these vehicles represents direct recognition of the quality of their products , an endorsement of the brand, and, above all, of the professionalism of their teams. It also represents a clear commitment to more sustainable mobility

“For Grupo Andrade, this operation represents much more than a commercial transaction; it represents trust, teamwork, and a joint commitment to the future of mobility,” he stated.

For his part, Isidoro Massri, director of JAC Mexico, emphasized that this collaboration transcends mere commerce and positions Mexico as a strategic hub. He reiterated that their commitment to the country is absolute, with a focus on customer service and support .

The alliance between DHL, JAC and Grupo Andrade reinforces confidence in national talent and consolidates a collaborative model that is committed to innovation, investment and the industrial development of the country.

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In response to the growing shortage of operators in Mexico, Samsara has introduced a new feature within its connected operations platform: ” Recognition ,” a tool designed to strengthen talent retention, the company reported in a press release.

The tool, as its name indicates, seeks to recognize good driving performance without increasing the administrative burden on fleets .

In Mexico, the driver shortage reached 56,000 positions in 2023 alone, equivalent to 9% of the total, and this figure is expected to rise to 106,000 by 2028 if no measures are taken.

While according to the  International Road Transport Union (IRU) , by 2024, the shortage of operators was 99,000 in Mexico.

In this context, Samsara is pursuing an operator-centric strategy, offering a system that allows managers to identify and celebrate safe behaviors in real time, thereby improving staff morale and engagement.

“Recognition represents a shift in how fleets can foster a culture of safety,” said Johan Land, Samsara’s senior vice president of Product and Engineering.

Through its driver app, operators can view their achievements, while managers access mobile dashboards for immediate feedback. The tool integrates directly into the Samsara ecosystem, requiring no additional software.

According to the company, organizations such as DHL, Home Depot , and the city of Memphis in the United States have significantly reduced incidents and staff turnover by implementing these solutions.

Similarly, in the case of Trades Holding Co. , its fleet director, Nick Mattocks, highlighted that “Recognition” transformed its safety culture by not only allowing it to correct risky behaviors, but also to reward good habits.

With this tool, Samsara aims to transform recognition from an occasional occurrence to a daily part of fleet operations.

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The international logistics company DHL announced that starting Monday it will pause “until further notice” business-to-consumer shipments in the United States with a declared value of more than $800 due to recent customs regulatory updates.

DHL clarified in a statement that, for this same reason, there have been delays in processing merchandise , which have lasted several days in the United States, forcing it to adjust its logistics services.

The company reported that each shipment has been undergoing a formal individual clearance process since April 5.

“Beginning April 5, 2025, all shipments to the United States with a declared customs value above $800 will require formal entry processing, down from the previous threshold of $2,500 due to new U.S. customs regulations,” it stated.

He noted that although they are working diligently, shipments over $800, regardless of their origin, may experience delays of several days.

B2B shipments , i.e., those made from business to business to U.S. companies with a reportable value of more than $800, will not be affected by this temporary suspension , although they may experience delays, he stressed.

“This is a temporary measure, and we will share updates as the situation evolves,” he explained.

DHL stated that previously, shipments valued between $800 and $2,500 could be released through an informal, simplified, and expedited entry process.

The new requirements are being implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) , which allows for extraordinary measures in emergencies. Additional documentation is being requested to complete the process, including proof of the country of origin of the goods and the final recipient’s tax identification number.

It’s worth remembering that the United States warned that starting May 2, it would take measures against shipments under $800, specifically from China, to control the entry of low-value packages that do not pay tariffs.

On  April 2 , US President  Donald Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs that would be applied to products entering the United States from various countries around the world. However, on April 9 , the US president paused this measure for  90 days , except for China, a country with which he is engaged in a tariff “war.”

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On Wednesday night, the winners of the XXIV National Logistics Award were announced , granted by the #SoyLogístico Association , which highlights the work and commitment of companies, teachers and professionals who drive growth and efficiency in the national supply chain.

Since its first edition, the award has sought to promote innovation, talent development and strengthening collaboration within the sector, awarding more than 100 Tamemes in these 24 years.

David Martínez, president of the organizing committee, stressed that the association has been consolidated around four fundamental pillars : university links, education and updating, generation of logistical information and grouping and representation.

“University involvement is one of the most important pillars, as it speaks to the future of logistics in Mexico and the commitment to new generations,” said Martínez.

For his part, Virgilio Paniagua, president of the #SoyLogístico Association, stressed the importance of collaboration in the current global context, marked by polarization and challenges of various kinds.

“The world is facing significant changes, and it is essential that we address these challenges together. This award is not only a recognition of those who have worked hard in the supply chain, but also a call to continue joining forces,” said Paniagua.

He also acknowledged that Mexico, as the world’s 12th largest economy, has the potential to become one of the leading economies globally, and the logistics sector is a key element in achieving this.

During the event, the Association of Logistics Operators of Mexico (AOLM) was also recognized for 10 years promoting innovation and logistics efficiency.

“Innovation is one of the fundamental pillars of our work. At AOLM, we actively collaborate with SoyLogístico to continue promoting this sector, which is crucial for the development of our country,” said Antonio Castro, president of AOLM.

This year’s seven award winners were:

Academic Category

Luis David Berrones Sanz, research professor at the Autonomous University of Mexico City (UACM) .

Executive Category

Eutimio Fernández Egurrola, founding partner of Loyalty Logística y Distribución  and member of the Editorial Board of Grupo T21.

Juan Carlos Aderman Torres Septién, Head of Transport LATAM at DHL Supply Chain .

Category Company

Unilever , for its Health Fairs for Transporters project .

Bimbo , for its Command Center project by Grupo Bimbo.

Logistics Service Provider Category

Scania , for its Scania Drivers project.

Maypo Pharmacists , for their home delivery project for patients living with Hemophilia.

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The director of the Mexican Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (AMIVE), Diana Ávalos, said that electrification represents a great opportunity for the country, partly due to its enormous commercial fleet, which ranks fifth worldwide , however, she highlighted the need to have adequate infrastructure , since the lack of charging stations is one of the biggest obstacles to wider adoption.

In this regard, Ávalos highlighted that the shift towards electric mobility would help reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality in cities and generate significant savings for companies that electrify their fleets.

However, he warned that this process will require strategic planning for the installation of charging stations , because currently the Mexican electrical system is not prepared to meet this demand without major adjustments.

“We cannot simply place charging stations wherever we want; the national electrical system requires investments and improvements in transmission and distribution,” explained Ávalos during the conference Opportunities for the electrification of commercial fleets , within the framework of the Transport Logistics Forum, held in León, Guanajuato.

He also said that electrification of fleets could be particularly beneficial for last-mile transport, given that these vehicles travel long distances and have high operating costs.

He mentioned as an example that companies such as DHL and Grupo Modelo have already begun to electrify their delivery fleets, observing a positive impact on their operating costs . However, Ávalos stressed that these advances are limited by the lack of high-power chargers necessary for heavy-duty vehicles.

“It is essential that the government and companies collaborate to establish shared freight yards, especially in strategic transportation corridors,” said Ávalos.

Another challenge facing Mexico is the limited capacity to generate and distribute electricity.

“In densely populated cities, the electrical system would not be able to support the volume of chargers required in homes and businesses, so it is necessary to consider alternatives such as shared charging centers,” he explained.

In this context, he pointed out the example of Hermosillo, where the electrification of the patrol fleet was complemented with solar panels in the loading yards, which allows for a reduction in costs in the long term.

Ávalos also highlighted the United States’ interest in the electrification of its cargo vehicles, driven by tax incentives and subsidy programs. However, he warned about the differences between the two countries in terms of infrastructure and resources.

The director of AMIVE highlighted the need to view the electrification of fleets as a business opportunity and as a catalyst for technological development in Mexico.

In his view, the country has the potential to become a producer and developer of electric vehicles and not just a consumer market.

“Mexico has a robust automotive industry and skilled people. We must focus not only on assembling, but on developing our own technology,” said Ávalos.

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