Paradigm Shift in World Trade: Transformation, Resilience & A New Era of Connectivity

Global trade is entering a decisive phase of transformation. Tariffs, shifting alliances, and great-power tensions are rapidly turning global trade into an instrument of geopolitical statecraft - now further intensified by economic warfare in the Middle East through the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes and economic chokepoints. The disruption is reverberating across energy markets, global supply chains, and shipping costs, reigniting debate about economic and maritime security.

The World Trade Dialogue Hamburg 2026 will open with a keynote by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche, offering a high-level political perspective on European economic security and resilience.

Initiated by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and Hapag-Lloyd AG, Germany’s largest container shipping line, and jointly with StudioZX the World Trade Dialogue Hamburg 2026 will bring together global leaders from business, policy and academia to discuss the impact of transformation, resilience and connectivity on the future of world trade.

April 28 provides policy and business perspectives by industry leaders, decisionmakers and policy experts such as Rolf Habben Jansen (Hapag-Lloyd AG),  Nico Lange (Munich Security Conference; Transatlantic Security and Defense, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)), Simone Menne (AmCham Germany), Claudia Oeking (Airbus), Denis Redonnet (European Commission), Brad Setser (Council on Foreign Relations), and Moritz Schularick (Kiel Institute).

April 29 continues with the academic program, featuring 20 research presentations and keynotes by Laura Alfaro (Inter-American Development Bank) and Andrew Bernard (Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth).

Across both days, the Dialogue brings together policy debate, industry insight, and academic research to provide a clearer understanding of the forces reshaping global trade.

Take advantage of this high-level platform to gain exclusive insights, form strategic alliances and discuss the way forward with key decision-makers. 

Day 1 Program  Day 2 Academic Program