Top 10 Geopolitical Risks of 2025

U.S. and China Agree to Cut Tariffs

The United States and China have reached a historic agreement to reduce reciprocal tariffs, marking a major pause in their prolonged trade war. Beginning May 14, both nations will significantly lower import duties for a 90-day period.

What does the agreement involve?

• The U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%.

• China will lower its tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.

• An economic dialogue channel will be established, led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

• Future meetings may be held in both the U.S. and China.

Global Impact and Motivations
The agreement follows talks in Switzerland and provides a welcome pause after months of tension that shook financial markets, disrupted trade flows, and raised concerns about a potential global recession. Both countries acknowledge the need for more balanced trade and agree that they do not want an “economic decoupling.”

Ongoing Challenges
Despite the optimism, deep structural differences remain:

• The U.S. demands stronger intellectual property protections and an end to forced technology transfers.

• Washington continues to challenge China’s subsidies to key industries like steel and aluminum.

• China warns of the economic impact of tariffs, especially amid domestic challenges such as a slowing economy and high youth unemployment.

What’s next?
This 90-day pause is just the beginning. Negotiations will continue in the hopes of building a fairer, more sustainable trade relationship. Meanwhile, the world watches closely as one of the most influential economic relationships evolves.

Top 10 Geopolitical Risks Through 2025

We are witnessing a shift toward a more fragmented international system, with multiple centers of power, growing non-state influence, and new types of conflict. Here are the key issues identified:

1. End of the Unipolar World – Rise of Multipolarism

   • The U.S. is losing its global hegemony.

   • China, India, Russia, Turkey, and other emerging powers are rising as regional poles.

   • The risk of geopolitical confrontations is increasing.

2. Corporations as Geopolitical Actors

   • Tech giants like Google and Amazon hold power comparable to that of nation-states.

   • Their control of data and influence over public opinion make them key players.

3. Hybrid Warfare Over Conventional Conflict

   • Cyberattacks, economic sanctions, disinformation, and propaganda are replacing traditional military confrontations.

4. Big Data as a Strategic Resource

   • Power now lies in data management, not just military strength.

   • Disinformation fuels polarization, undermines institutional trust, and weakens democracies.

5. Growing Non-Traditional Risks

   • From climate change to pandemics and cyberterrorism, risks now span economic, technological, and social dimensions.

6. Threat of a New Global Economic Crisis

   • Trade tensions, geopolitical conflict, and structural vulnerabilities could lead to a new global recession.

7. Normalization of Violence

   • Social conflicts are becoming prolonged.

   • There is increasing tolerance of violence as a form of protest or social change.

8. Political and Institutional Fragmentation (“Brexit Effect”)

   • Crisis of confidence in traditional democracies.

   • Rise of nationalism, separatism, and populism in Europe.

9. Polarization in Latin America

   • Ideological division, inequality, and loss of institutional legitimacy.

   • Increased potential for social unrest and instability.

10. Ongoing Conflicts in the Middle East

•                  Syria, Yemen, Palestine, and Iran remain hotspots involving both regional and global actors.

Cyberattack: The Silent Nightmare of Logistics in 2025

In a world where every logistics movement depends on interconnected digital systems, a cyberattack can quickly become a nightmare. It’s no longer just about protecting financial data today, a single malicious click can halt port operations, crash customs systems, or disable cargo aircraft.

The New Silent Threat to Global Trade

Logistics has undergone a digital transformation. From real-time tracking to automated dispatching, everything is connected. But this connectivity has opened a new front: cyberspace.

In 2020, a cyberattack on Maersk shut down entire ports for days, causing billions in losses.In 2023, CMA CGM faced a ransomware attack affecting its global operations.In 2025, these are no longer exceptions they are constant threats.

What Can Be Done?

Prevention Is Key:

• Use of updated software and constant vulnerability monitoring.

• Ongoing staff training to avoid human errors (e.g., phishing emails).

• Secure data backups.

• Partnerships with cybersecurity firms specializing in logistics.

At ATC, We Don’t Let Our Guard Down

At All Trans Cargo, we understand that modern logistics doesn’t just move on roads, skies, and seas it moves through the cloud. That’s why we invest in robust tech infrastructure, incident response protocols, and continuous team training.

Security is not a luxury. It’s part of our commitment to our clients.

Conclusion

2025 presents a dynamic, challenging, and increasingly interconnected international landscape. From trade tensions between superpowers to silent threats like cyberattacks, geopolitical risks are no longer distant concerns they directly impact logistics, commerce, and our day to day operations. At All Trans Cargo Group, we remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring our global logistics solutions are ready to meet the future no matter how uncertain it may be.