EM Wasylik's Outlook for 2025
As 2025 begins, the global business landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. While optimism is cautious, some sectors are showing growth. Technology and renewable energy sectors are progressing steadily. Emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India, Southern Africa, and Latin America are advancing in digital infrastructure and technology, though at different rates.
Despite challenges like infrastructure gaps and workforce shortages, investments in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing are rising, driven by government incentives and private sector interest. E-commerce and fintech are growing, albeit slower than projected. Companies are strategically expanding internationally, balancing risks and rewards amid geopolitical and regulatory complexities.
AI and automation are transforming industries while requiring investment and workforce retraining. As sustainability continues to become more crucial, companies are committing to genuine ethical practices. The 2025 economic outlook is cautiously optimistic, favoring adaptable and innovative organizations.
Here’s what the team expects to see in 2025!
“The incoming administration’s proposed tariffs have been making headlines recently, but it is nothing new. Tariffs are one of the oldest taxes in the business world, in fact they were the original taxes on imported goods to the newly formed United States of America in 1789. We have seen how they impacted the economy during the last term with the tariffs on China and imported steel and other metals. Prices rose, the shift to American production barely materialized and the change in supply chains took years to adjust, not overnight. With the newly proposed tariffs, I expect prices will go up, businesses will have to adjust to it, and consumers will most likely pay the difference. The question is: what will the long-term benefits be for the US economy?
Will it increase US production vs. Chinese production?
Will there be a shift to substitute China-made products to products made in other countries?
This will all play out over the next 4 years, but one thing is certain: none of these adjustments to the economic system will happen in the short-term (2025). It will take years for businesses to adjust to any new normal.” – Ken Wasylik, Managing Director
“2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic year in international business, with global competition intensifying across sectors. The U.S. manufacturers we support are balancing their reputation for quality with increasing price sensitivity in export markets, as international contenders challenge their dominance. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving transformative investments across key sectors such as energy, construction, hospitality, entertainment, and healthcare. While this is just a snapshot of the active sectors, the opportunities are immense. However, fierce global competition and significant government incentives for local manufacturing under the ‘Made in Saudi’ initiative are pushing U.S. exporters to optimize logistics and consider local stock or assembly to remain competitive.
On the inbound side, European telecom clients are fast-tracking their U.S. market entry ahead of the BEAD program, a federal initiative allocating $42 billion to expand broadband access in underserved areas. These clients are leveraging their expertise from mature markets to seize new opportunities in rural broadband expansion. This reflects a broader trend: while the U.S. remains a hub for innovation and industrial excellence, foreign markets are leading in areas like telecom infrastructure and automation, encouraging cross-border collaboration.
Meanwhile, industries like commercial fitness and hospitality—sectors that were hit hardest by the pandemic—are not just recovering but surpassing 2019 benchmarks, signaling renewed growth and optimism. Across all sectors, businesses are prioritizing lean manufacturing and operational efficiency as they navigate the challenges of an increasingly competitive global landscape. This is just a glimpse into the diverse client activity we’re seeing at EMW, and the year ahead promises even more exciting developments.” – Michael Stone, Senior International Business Developer
“In 2025, international business is driven by growth in dynamic regions like the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, where expanding markets and innovation are reshaping opportunities. The Middle East stands out with its diversification efforts and investment in technology and infrastructure, positioning itself as a key global player. Geopolitical shifts and evolving trade networks are challenging traditional markets while opening doors to new partnerships. Success for companies seeking international growth hinges on agility, cross-border collaboration, and tailoring strategies to the unique needs of these rapidly evolving regions.” – David Urintsev, Senior International Business Developer
“Although there is some uncertainty about how the United States’ incoming administration could impact international businesses, I think that 2025 will host numerous opportunities for international expansion, both for US companies entering new markets, and for foreign firms entering the US market. As exemplified during the pandemic in 2020 and beyond, when there is uncertainty, flexible businesses can embrace the challenge and grow in new regions, verticals, or product offerings to meet the changing demand. Flexibility, innovation, and technology adoption will be key factors in international businesses’ success in 2025 and beyond.” – Shane Rieder, Global Market Intelligence Lead
“My outlook on the inbound market is fairly positive. I think we’ve already seen more foreign companies looking to expand their U.S. operations due to economic downturn at home and U.S. policies favoring domestic production, and I’d expect that momentum to gain speed in 2025.” – Larissa Stenglein, International Business Development Associate
The EMW team is constantly monitoring global markets looking for opportunities for clients. Reach out to learn what international opportunities EMW may see for your business!
The EMW Team Travels the Globe to Expand Client Businesses
Wrapping up 2024, the EMW team conducted multiple global market visits to amplify clients’ success. From engaging in pivotal trade shows and forging connections with distributors to ensuring seamless customer interactions, the team’s commitment to advancing international business knows no bounds. Keep an eye out for updates as the EMW team continues its global travel with exciting destinations lined up for the the start of 2025:
- Healthcare Tradeshow in Dubai, UAE – January
- Food & Beverage Tradeshow in Dubai, UAE – February
- Foodservice Equipment Tradeshow in Atlanta, Georgia – February
- Fitness Tradeshow in Cologne, Germany – April
Greenifying the Supply Chain: A Must-Read on EU Regulation
The European Union is raising the bar on sustainability with its groundbreaking Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which came into full effect in August 2024. This policy aims to create a level playing field by holding importers accountable for greenhouse gas emissions embedded in high-carbon products, such as steel and aluminum. As the EU leads the charge toward greener supply chains, countries including Canada, Australia, and the US are exploring similar measures, signaling a global shift in climate-conscious trade.
Want to know how this impacts your business and global trade? Don’t miss our latest blog for an insightful analysis of CBAM’s implications, challenges, and opportunities!
Don't Miss The Latest Talking Trade Episodes
E.M. Wasylik Managing Director Ken Wasylik and M.E. Dey & Co. President and Managing Director Sandi Siegel continue to host the Talking Trade podcast, produced by WisBusiness.com.
Listen in to some recent episodes featuring Nick Baker, Managing Director of FTI Consulting, and Fredrik Udd, Founder and Managing Partner of Explore Markets. Nick provides insight on tariffs and China-US trade relations, while Fredrik both shares insight into why Poland is top business destination in Europe and highlights steps that companies can take to enter or expand in the country.
Talking Trade is available on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, WisBusiness, and E.M. Wasylik!
Talking Trade with Nick Baker
Talking Trade with Fredrik Udd
Let’s Connect
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