“In 2025, businesses involved in international trade are facing an increasingly volatile global market that is undergoing profound changes due to geopolitical shifts, new trade and environmental regulations, technological advancements, and evolving market dynamics" explains John Wegman, CEO of Customs Support Group. "To thrive in this environment, organizations must embrace adaptability and leverage strategic insights to navigate these complexities effectively.”
1. Tariffs – the buzzword of the year
New tariffs are set to take centre stage, potentially becoming the defining term in global trade discourse in 2025. The tariff increases from the US and the spectre of a trade war are driving major shifts in legislation and supply chain configurations.
These changes are intensifying the complexities of customs procedures and cross-border operations. In this evolving landscape, understanding and adapting to tariff dynamics will be crucial for companies seeking to thrive in an increasingly volatile global market.
2. Real Intelligence (RI)
AI may have dominated trade conversations in recent years, but in 2025 demand for Real Intelligence (RI) will increase sharply. Increasing complexities and the rapid pace of change mean that professional expertise in customs and trade compliance have never more sought after.
This is the result of years of geopolitical tensions and logistical disruptions, which have highlighted the critical need for skilled professionals who can adeptly navigate evolving trade regulations. Even large enterprises are outsourcing their customs departments to improve agility and resilience.
3. Driving efficiency through digital innovation
Customs must move away from being a paper-heavy and bureaucratic industry. Digital innovation is already boosting efficiency and accuracy, while addressing recognised talent shortages and capacity limitations.
These developments significantly impact the profession of customs brokers, removing manual tasks in favour of leveraging real expertise and knowledge in customs and compliance.
Customs Support Group is already processing more than three million customs declarations across 14 European markets and will surpass the 50 percent threshold for fully digital declaration processing in 2025.
4. Data Consolidation
Data may be the gold of supply chain efficiency – however, consolidated data is the diamond.
This year, the value of data consolidation will overtake the value of data acquisition.
Operations will recognise the need for fragmented and scattered data sets across various markets and systems to be integrated into a single, clear source of truth.
The industry is shifting from numerous small customs brokers to a centralized approach with a single international provider, which enables the consolidation and standardisation of data formats across multiple markets.
The value of consolidation will be demonstrated through the consistency, visibility and accessibility of data, allowing businesses to make more informed decisions for supply chain strategies.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Increasing speed and capacity are the key to enhancing efficiency and Customs Support Group’s AI-powered clearance tests have demonstrated up to a 50 percent increase in efficiency.
However, while emerging AI solutions continue to advance, the consensus among industry experts is clear: the complexity and ever-changing nature of global trade still requires human oversight.
The non-compliance risks are just too high to depend solely on automated systems. Balancing the rapid advancements in AI with the essential role of RI will be key to leveraging technology while maintaining regulatory integrity.
Customs Support Group (CSG) is the leading European customs and trade solutions provider, facilitating seamless cross-border operations through cutting-edge digital innovations and unmatched industry expertise.
It has a presence in all major European strategic locations and the most comprehensive service offering in the market. Backed by more than 1,700 dedicated customs professionals, CSG ensures its clients’ goods cross borders with minimal risk and maximum efficiency without hassle or delay.
Contact: press@customssupport.com
