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Risk in Context Podcast: Building manufacturing resilience amid evolving trade agreements

Discover how organizations around the globe are using tax insurance to manage tax uncertainties.

02/10/2026

Global manufacturers are navigating a complex and rapidly evolving trade environment marked by shifting policies, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. Fluctuating trade policies and geopolitical dynamics are testing the flexibility and resilience of many businesses.

The ongoing changes to bilateral and multilateral agreements, including the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement that is being renegotiated this year, introduce uncertainty around rules of origin, labor standards, and enforcement, potentially influencing investment and operational decisions.

As they seek to build resilience, many manufacturers are adopting agile strategies, including scenario planning, integrated supply chain visibility, and strategic pricing to manage volatility and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Insurance solutions like trade credit, contract frustration, and supplier default coverage are increasingly recognized as strategic tools to stabilize cash flow and protect revenue streams amid this uncertainty.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Christopher Coppock, Credit Specialties’ Head of Geopolitical and Economic Risk for Marsh Risk, speaks with Falak Kothari, Manufacturing Industry Leader for Marsh Risk Canada, and Azzizza Larsen, the Financial Institutions Practice Leader for the US and Canada within Credit Specialties. They discuss key challenges that manufacturers are facing and share practical advice to help businesses manage risk and build resilience in a fast-changing global trade environment.

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Key takeaways

Trade policy shifts impact integrated supply chains

When trade policies change — whether through tariffs, regulatory updates, or renegotiated agreements — they could disrupt highly integrated, multi-tiered supply chains, causing operational delays, increased costs, and heightened uncertainty for manufacturers globally.

Balancing short- and long-term risks is a must

Manufacturers must navigate immediate supply chain disruptions while simultaneously planning for long-term investments, a dual focus that demands proactive monitoring of evolving trade policies to enable swift decision and strategy adjustments.

Insurance can be used as a strategic enabler

Robust insurance programs enable manufacturers to make confident business decisions by stabilizing cash flow, safeguarding revenue streams, and managing financial risks in an environment marked by rapid and unpredictable policy changes.

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