Citi Institute and Citi's Services business released a new report, The World Rewired: Shifts in Global Trade and Foreign Direct Investment, finding that 72% of global corporates now identify releasing trapped liquidity as their top strategic priority for the next 12 months, up from 66% at the start of 2026. For 64% of respondents, discovering how much liquidity is trapped in their supply chains has become a key driver of working capital strategy, compared to 55% earlier in the year, while AI adoption in trade operations nearly tripled from 16% in 2024 to 45% today. Citi's payment and receivable flows data show overall payment flows rose 40% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, led by technology payments, which grew 50% year-on-year, with Asia and Latin America flows up 60% and 58% respectively. Trade routes are shifting as well: North America's share of China's vehicle and parts exports fell from roughly a third to about 13% by mid-2026, while Africa nearly doubled its share from around 8% in 2022 to above 15% today. Adoniro Cestari, Global Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions at Citi Services, said the report tells a more nuanced story, with trade, investment and payments flows still growing through different markets and corridors than a decade ago.
Citigroup Inc.Citi's own report shows corporate clients prioritizing trapped liquidity and payment flows up 40% YoY, boosting demand for its trade and working capital services.
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