Global Trade Lessons from 2024 to Help Optimize in 2025

If there’s one thing 2024 taught us about the maritime and supply chain ecosystems, it’s that change is constant – and often unpredictable. To succeed, organizations must be proactive and agile, ensuring that their strategic decision-making is built on a foundation of flexibility and foresight.

This blog leverages insights from Windward’s 2025 Top Trends in Global Trade report, highlighting key lessons and opportunities to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of global trade.

A Year of Breakthroughs and Challenges

The maritime world saw a monumental shift with the explosive rise of Generative AI (Gen AI). This groundbreaking technology dominated conversations and began reshaping the industry, setting the stage for even greater advancements in 2025.

But Gen AI wasn’t the only disruptor. 2024 was marked by a series of unforeseen events that sent shockwaves through global trade and supply chains:

• Houthi terrorists disrupted global supply chains and forced trading routes to adapt, showcasing the vulnerabilities of international logistics.
• Extreme weather events caused over $15 billion in disruptions, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on trade.
• A major port strike in North America delayed critical shipments, exacerbating bottlenecks.
• Geopolitical shifts intensified, including the escalation of the Russian conflict, a surge in sanctions, and the unexpected fall of the Syrian regime.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As we step into 2025, global trade and supply chain organizations face a critical question: how can they navigate a landscape where uncertainty is the only certainty?

Gen AI: The Key to Staying Ahead

Gen AI is no longer just an emerging trend – it’s a necessity. Organizations that successfully integrate Gen AI into their workflows will be better equipped to tackle challenges, such as geopolitical instability, evolving risks, and regulatory shifts.

This technology offers more than just efficiency – it provides the ability to identify emerging threats, adapt to new conditions, and make informed decisions with speed and precision.

Adapting to Evolving Risks

The risk landscape is changing rapidly. Emerging risks – ranging from geopolitical upheavals to environmental challenges – demand a proactive approach. The cascade of new sanctions alone underscores the importance of staying ahead of these shifts to minimize disruptions and seize opportunities.

How Windward Can Help

We work with potential and existing customers to understand their pain points and then jointly create a plan for how our AI technology can heal them. You can stay ahead by bringing AI and Gen AI into your workflows. 

Windward offers MAI Expert™, the industry’s first maritime Gen AI™ agent, to optimize global trade and maritime risk management, automate screening and investigations, and promote business growth. It can integrate with your systems and workflows, creating greater efficiencies.  

You can also benefit from a configurable approach to risk with Organization Defined Risk. Early Detection, which is powered by MAI Expert, enables proactivity, exposing the unknown unknowns and emerging trends. 

Ready to Optimize Your 2025?

Success in the coming year hinges on preparation and innovation. With Windward’s cutting-edge AI solutions, you can stay ahead of the curve, reduce risks, and unlock new avenues for growth.

I Want Windward’s Help in 2025!