Past six years,Asia's trade dynamics shifted, moving away from old “just in time” logistics. Three major shocks drove this: COVID-19 pandemic,Russia's war in Ukraine, and U.S.-Israel tensions with Iran. All exposed cracks in global trade systems.
an economist at IbisWorld says recent crises show a change in trade practices. He noted these events signal a shift in how disruptions are viewed—now seen as normal,not rare. Organizations and governments are rethinking the push for relentless efficiency.
Shay Wester, director of Asian economic affairs at Asia Society Policy Institute, backs this up. “The lesson has sunk in,” he said, noting interruptions now expected in trade. Focus is shifting to building strong,flexible supply chains to handle today's uncertainty.
