On March 13th, Affilia hosted its inaugural Expert Panel on international trade law. This event, set against a backdrop of global uncertainty, brought together our affiliates to explore Affilia’s 2025 International Trade Forecast and address current and future challenges facing international trade.
Panel Highlights
In the face of pressing issues such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and tariffs, our experts delved into a range of critical topics:
- ESG standards, forced Labor, and decarbonization: Florence Beauregard shed light on emerging trends in these areas, emphasizing their increasing importance and strategic value in today’s business landscape.
- Implementation of the UN Global Compact: Sabrina Leung addressed Affilia’s efforts to align its practices with this international framework, highlighting the organization’s commitment to global sustainability standards.
- Tariffs, counter-Tariffs, and free trade agreements: Bernard Colas provided an in-depth analysis of these complex trade issues, considering recent global trade tensions and their implications for businesses worldwide.
- Customs: Jean-Marc Clément shared his expertise on current and future customs challenges, with a particular focus on navigating American tariffs and ensuring compliance.
- International taxation: Alexandra Fortin explored the tax implications for companies operating internationally, offering insights into managing fiscal cosniderations amidst trade tensions with the United States.
- Economic Sanctions: Lyna Ramdane discussed emerging trends in sanctions and their anticipated evolution in 2025, highlighting the growing impact of sanctions on international trade dynamics.
An Enriching Exchange in a Changing World
The event was characterized by engaging and practical discussions, providing participants with actionable perspectives to navigate the current uncertainty. Audience questions and contributions enriched the debate, underscoring the importance of such exchanges in adapting to the evolving realities of international trade.
Looking to the Future
This inaugural Expert Panel underscores Affilia’s commitment to delivering valuable insights and supporting its clients in managing the complexities of international trade, both now and in the future. In a world of perpetual change, Affilia positions itself as a strategic partner, poised to anticipate 2025 trends and tackle future challenges with agility and innovation.