On 29 January 2026, GCCA’s Sara Stickler and Shane Brennan were joined by an expert panel to provide insight into how the big trends shaping global trade and regulatory policy are impacting the cold chain, and how the Alliance is taking action to achieve positive outcomes for member businesses.
GCCA advisers, Caroline Sowinski (Torrey Partners, US), Phil Baldwin (TACTIX, Canada) and Dave Hemingway (TACTIX, Europe), explained how dramatic events are leading to distinct, but connected, responses in US, Canadian and European trade and industrial competitiveness policies. The team explained how GCCA is working to steer positive outcomes for cold chain businesses.
The session emphasised opportunities to improve resilience in the cold chain, modernise regulation, digitise trade processes, and strengthen engagement with policymakers to support a more efficient, secure, and sustainable global industry.
A few key takeaways from the panellists:
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GCCA’s 2026 global advocacy priorities are clear
The team reiterated how GCCA has a clear policy agenda and story to tell about the importance and value of cold to delivering safe and secure trade, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable supply chains. These three things guide GCCA’s global efforts, with on-the-ground engagement in the US, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Africa, and multilateral institutions.
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Geopolitical and trade volatility are challenges, but also create opportunities
Disrupted trade flows, tariffs and shifting alliances are reshaping global logistics. Although uncertainty remains, new trade routes, bilateral discussions and diversification of markets offer growth opportunities for the cold chain.
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Regulatory friction is a constraint, and digitisation is a solution
Across all regions, outdated and paper-heavy certification and inspection processes are slowing trade. GCCA is pushing against outdated paper-based, in-person inspection processes, pressing for ambitious innovations like a delegated ‘Trusted Partner Programme’ for third-party warehouses in the US, and accelerated digitisation in Canada and Europe.
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Political uncertainty is shaping short-term policymaking
The US faces funding deadlines, an unsettled and fractious Congress, and the upcoming midterm elections. Canada is operating under a minority government with possible snap elections. European leaders are responding to a political and corporate groundswell against interventionist regulation in areas like ‘net zero’ sustainability policy. These dynamics compress timelines but also create moments for GCCA influence on pro-cold chain outcomes around the world and in Washington, D.C.
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Cold chain resilience is gaining recognition as vital infrastructure
Energy security, infrastructure investment, and system resilience, particularly highlighted by Europe’s energy challenges and the trade-related disruption to commodity flows, are elevating the cold chain’s role. The cold chain is crucial in maintaining food security, reducing waste and supporting economic stability around the world.
Source: Supplied by GCCA