This report, prepared by Trajectory for Gowling WLG, explores the current context of protectionism, at a time in which media narratives are focussed heavily on the de-globalisation movement in the form of Donald Trump’s presidency and the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

The report explores what the protectionism movement might mean for businesses across the world with specific explorations of the state of protectionism among G20 countries, the BRICS, the EU, the United States and South America. The report also takes into account the different impact of protectionism on different industries, with experts interviewed from across technology, real estate, life sciences, intellectual property and energy.

In addition, the report outlines the findings of a survey of 500 board level directors – 150 of whom were General Counsel at UK businesses which trade internationally – which shows that businesses feel that we are moving towards deglobalisation & more hostile business environments as some countries take more protectionist stances.