Five Takeaways from GCCA’s Global Year Ahead in Advocacy Webinar

On January 29, 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 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 policy. The team explained how GCCA is working to steer positive outcomes for cold chain businesses.    

The session emphasized opportunities to improve resilience in the cold chain, modernize regulation, digitize trade processes, and strengthen engagement with policymakers to support a more efficient, secure, and sustainable global industry. 

A few key takeaways from our panelists: 

1. 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 U.S., Canada, Europe, Brazil, Africa, and multilateral institutions.
2. 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.
3. Regulatory friction is a constraint, and digitization 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   Across all regions, outdated and paper-heavy certification and inspection processes are slowing trade. GCCA is pushing against outdated paper-based, in-person inspection processes, pressing for ambitious innovations like a delegated ‘Trusted Partner Program’ for third-party warehouses in the U.S., and accelerated digitization in Canada and Europe. 
4. Political uncertainty is shaping short-term policymaking
   The U.S. 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.
5. 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.  

Want to hear more? Join GCCA as a member today to attend all our virtual learning opportunities, and register for a variety of professional, in-person cold chain programs in 2026: www.gcca.org/events