Global Connectedness Index 2022: Globalisation intact despite pandemic and current geopolitical situation – DHL report finds

DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business have released the new DHL Global Connectedness Index 2022, an in-depth report on the state of globalization and its prospects. Analyzing data from 171 countries and territories, it reveals how flows of trade, people, capital, and information move around the world.

The report shows that international flows have been remarkably resilient in the face of recent shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. After a slight decline in 2020, the composite DHL Global Connectedness Index rose back to above pre-pandemic levels in 2021. The currently available data points to a further increase in 2022, despite slower growth in some flows. International trade in goods was 10 percent above pre-pandemic levels in mid-2022. International travel remained 37 percent below 2019 levels in 2022, but doubled compared to 2021.

Key findings:

Global flows of trade, capital, information stronger than pre-pandemic; people flows recovering
No shift from global to regional trade flows
No compelling evidence of global economy disintegrating into blocs
Share of U.S. flows involving China decreased in 8 out of 11 examined areas, including merchandise exports and imports, and specific capital flows
Netherlands remains the most globalized country, followed by Singapore and Belgium

Based on the “DHL Global Connectedness Index 2022” report, Russia has moved up for 4 points, from 49th place in 2019 to 45th place. In 2021 Russia added (+5) and (+6) points in the flows of trade of goods and capital, respectively, but lost one point in the international flow of people. The top 3 key most connected countries with Russia, based on the survey materials, are: Kazakhstan (10%), China (10%) and Cyprus (7%).

The report and further resources are available at https://www.dhl.com/global-en/delivered/globalization/global-connectedness-index.html