The report finds that globalisation has not retreated as sharply as many feared. Instead, it says the world’s level of globalisation has held steady near record highs despite rising political and economic uncertainty.
Image: Rajesh Jantilal / AFP
In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies, South Africa has managed to secure its position as a vital participant in the global economy, ranking 53rd in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026.
This report, released in collaboration with the New York University Stern School of Business, presents an encouraging picture of globalisation's resilience amidst widespread fears of economic fragmentation.
The DHL report extensively evaluates the interconnectedness of 180 economies, employing over nine million data points to track international flows of trade, capital, information, and people, according to Business Report.
The findings reveal that, contrary to perceptions of a retreat from globalisation, the world has maintained a level of interconnectedness near record highs, with globalisation measured at an impressive 25% in 2025, equalling the peak first recorded in 2022.
John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, emphasises the significance of these findings. “Globalisation is holding its ground — and that alone speaks volumes about its value,” he noted, asserting that the challenges facing the world today, from poverty to climate change, necessitate cooperative global approaches.
For South Africa, a nation heavily reliant on international trade for exporting key products — including minerals, manufactured goods, and agricultural staples — the implications of the report are substantial. While the country is considered one of Africa's most integrated economies, its 53rd place ranking signals an important conversation about enhancing its global standing and maximising its potential in the ever-evolving trade landscape.
The report underscores that there is substantial room for South Africa to deepen its trade and investment ties. By strengthening logistics networks, improving trade infrastructure, and minimising barriers to cross-border trade, the country can capture a more significant share of the global market.
Furthermore, the report highlights that various Sub-Saharan African nations, including Namibia and Mozambique, have registered remarkable improvements in global connectedness over the past two decades, Business Report reported.
Notably, the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a robust resurgence of international travel, with Africa experiencing a 17% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to 2019, marking the second-largest recovery after the Middle East. This revival is fostering cross-border mobility and bolstering economic connections within the region.
Despite the increasing tensions between global powerhouses like the United States and China, the report insists that the global economy is not fracturing into opposing blocs.
Predictions indicate that global goods trade will continue to expand steadily at an average rate of 2.6% over the next few years, largely insulated from recent US tariff increases due to the limited portion of global trade affected. In fact, many countries are proactively forming new trade agreements to solidify access to alternative markets.
Steven A. Altman from the DHL report emphasises that while there are undeniable risks to globalisation, the resilience of international trade flows is equally significant. “The politics and policy surrounding globalisation are much more volatile than the actual flows between countries,” he stated, reinforcing the message of adaptability and opportunity in the face of uncertainty.