Globalization and Trade Insights Report

Global Public Opinion Insights

Explore key insights revealing global views on globalization, tariffs, and protectionism, and how public sentiment varies across regions.

Globalization and trade continue to shape societies and economies around the world. This research explores how people across 33 markets perceive globalization, tariffs, and protectionism amid shifting geopolitical and economic pressures. The findings reveal a nuanced picture: while most people view globalization positively, support for protective trade measures remains strong.

Key Findings:

  • Most people view globalization positively, with the strongest support in Africa and the Middle East, and Latin America.
  • Europe shows the weakest support, with France standing out for higher negative sentiment.
  • Global attitudes toward globalization remain high compared to most of the past 25 years, despite a slight decline since 2019.
  • A majority prefer maintaining current tariffs, particularly in Europe and Asia‑Pacific.
  • Support for increasing tariffs is highest in Indonesia, France, India, and Egypt; support for decreasing tariffs is strongest in the USA, Brazil, Türkiye, and Morocco.
  • Protectionist sentiment is strong worldwide, with nearly 80% agreeing that tariffs help protect jobs and industries.

Overall, these findings highlight a world that remains broadly supportive of globalization while also still valuing economic protection. Understanding this balance between openness and security is essential for navigating today’s complex global landscape.