Global Trade Outlook, 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting Recap, Free eFBL Webinar & FEDESPEDI's 80th anniversary
Global Trade & Economic Outlook: Joint Statement by IEA, IMF, World Bank and WTO on Impacts of the War in the Middle East
On 29 May 2026, the Heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG) and World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a joint statement following a meeting held the previous day under the high-level coordination group established in April 2026. The initiative was created to strengthen cooperation among the four institutions in addressing the economic, trade, and energy-related consequences arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Areas of cooperation include policy guidance, evaluations of financing requirements, and the mobilisation of financial assistance through concessional funding mechanisms and risk-sharing instruments.
In their statement, the four institutions noted that the conflict is generating substantial and highly asymmetric impacts on energy supplies, food security, and economic activity across territories and regions. While the global economy continues to show resilience, the effects of the conflict are disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable territories through higher fuel and fertiliser prices, increased uncertainty, and risks to jobs and livelihoods. Higher fertiliser prices were flagged as a particular concern, given that many territories are entering the planting season. The Heads of the four institutions confirmed they would remain in close contact as the situation evolves and continue coordinating their efforts to support affected territories and safeguard global economic stability.
FIATA actively contributed to this international dialogue. At the high-level meeting convened by the WTO on 28 May, FIATA Director General Dr Stéphane Graber represented the freight forwarding industry and highlighted the importance of multimodal transport as a means of maintaining cargo flows amid ongoing disruptions. He noted that alternative solutions to maritime transport in Hormuz can be found but reamain limited, complex and costly. In the future, diversification will require more structural adjustments - including alternative multimodal corridors in less exposed locations. More broadly, supply chains are and will be reconfigured. Decision-making will no-longer be solely be driven by cost and speed but increasingly by resilience, security and predictability. In this context, the role of the freight forwarder will be more and more critical to ensure the continuity of the flow of good.
Following the meeting, WTO wrote to FIATA to acknowledge its valuable contribution to the dicussion and assured that FIATA's messages have been carefully noted. WTO looks forward to further collaborating with FIATA to address pressing challenges and promote a more efficient and resilient global trading system.
For the freight forwarding sector, these developments underline the continued exposure of global supply chains to geopolitical and energy market disruptions. Higher fuel prices, shifts in trade flows, and uncertainty around key corridors all carry direct operational and commercial implications for freight forwarders worldwide. FIATA encourages its Members to prioritise contingency planning, promotes trade facilitation measures, and advocates for investment in alternative transport corridors, combining sea, land, air and rail soutions to strengthen supply chain resilience. This reflects the shift from a purely maritime perspective towards an integrated supply chain approach, which is at the heart of FIATA's work.
FIATA continues to monitor these developments closely and will keep its Members informed of relevant policy responses and trade facilitation measures.
Read the full Joint Statement here
Read the communication on the high-level dialogue among senior executives at the WTO
2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting: A Successful Gathering in Tianjin!
Last week, the freight forwarding community of the Asia-Pacific region convened in Tianjin, China, for the 2026 FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Field Meeting, held from 2 to 4 June. Hosted by the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) and staged alongside the 4th Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo, the meeting offered a timely platform for delegates to exchange perspectives on the priorities shaping the regional industry, among them supply chain resilience, digital transformation and the longer-term direction of freight forwarding across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
FIATA extends its sincere appreciation to CIFA for its warm hospitality and dedication in delivering such an engaging and well-organised event in one of the region's principal maritime gateways.
A full review will follow in the dedicated 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting special.
Digitalisation: Free Webinar on Implementing the Electronic Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Bill of Lading (eFBL)
FIATA, together with the Italian freight forwarders' association Federazione Nazionale delle Imprese di Spedizioni Internazionali (FEDESPEDI), invites Members to a free webinar, "Implementing the Electronic Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL): Practical, Legal and Insurance Considerations", taking place on Friday, 19 June 2026 at 11:00 CEST.
As the digitalisation of trade documentation continues to accelerate, the digital FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) offers freight forwarders a practical route to faster, more secure and more sustainable document exchange across the supply chain. This session will move beyond the concept to focus on what implementation looks like in practice, examining the operational, legal and insurance considerations that forwarders should understand when adopting the eFBL in their daily business.
Whether your organisation is already exploring digital documentation or is at an early stage of its digital transition, the webinar will provide valuable insight to help you take the next step with confidence.
Participation is free of charge, and registration is open now.
Register now for the free webinar!
Heartfelt Congratulations: FIATA Honours FEDESPEDI’s 80th Anniversary
FIATA extends its warmest congratulations to Federazione Italiana degli Agenti di Spedizione e Trasporti Internazionali (FEDESPEDI) on the celebration of its 80th anniversary. This significant milestone was further honoured by the distinguished presence of the FIATA President, Prof Dr Thomas Sim and the FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber.
For eight decades, FEDESPEDI has served as a cornerstone of the Italian freight forwarding and logistics sector. FIATA recognises FEDESPEDI's unwavering commitment to professional standards and its vital role in advancing the interests of the industry within Italy and across the globe. Italy holds a unique place in FIATA's history: not only was it a founding member of the Federation with Associazione Triestina Degli Spedizioneri, Trieste, but it has also provided two FIATA Presidents, Mr Aldo Da Ros and Mr Francesco Parisi, as well as a Director General in Mr Marco Sorgetti, all of whom were present to celebrate FEDESPEDI's 80th anniversary.
Looking ahead, the focus turns to the 2026 FIATA World Congress, which will be hosted in Milan later this year. Co-hosted by FEDESPEDI, the Congress represents a major opportunity for the international logistics community to gather in Italy. FIATA eagerly anticipates the robust participation of the Italian freight forwarding community!
Register now for the 2026 FIATA World Congress!
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