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Chapter 11 — Trade Policy
Trade Policy

Supply Chain Friend-Shoring and the Future of Global Trade

Companies spending 12-15% more on supply protection. U.S. launched Project Vault, a $10B critical minerals reserve.

RJ
Mr. Rajat Sagar Jain
Policy Analyst, World Development Council
February 2026 · 10 min

Friend-shoring moves supply chains to countries sharing political and economic interests. By 2026, it's the backbone of the new trade system.

The global economy is transitioning from fragile efficiency to resilient viability.

Critical Minerals Race

U.S. Project Vault: $10B. FORGE initiative: 54 countries coordinating mineral supply chains.

Connector Economies

Vietnam, Mexico, GCC as key connectors. Saudi/UAE offering 30-year tax exemptions via IMEC.

Friend-ShoringSupply ChainsCritical Minerals

Discussion

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Saurabh Sharma Mar 18, 2026
Talent shortage as main friend-shoring obstacle — not capital — is the most underappreciated risk.
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