5th conference on 'Trade, value chains and financial linkages in the global economy'

5 November 2026

The 5th conference on 'Trade, value chains and financial linkages in the global economy', jointly organized by Banca d'Italia and the European Central Bank, took place in Rome on 29 and 30 October 2026. The event brought together researchers from academia and policy institutions, with opening remarks by Andrea Brandolini (Director General for Economics, Statistics and Research at Banca d'Italia) and keynote lectures by Felix Tintelnot (Duke University) and Paola Conconi (University of Oxford).

Discussions focused on the effects of trade and industrial policies on economic activity, innovation and prices. Research examined how multinational enterprises respond to tariffs, the costs of non-tariff barriers and rules of origin, and the consequences of restrictions on access to semiconductors and critical raw materials. The importance of assessing the effects on consumers, and particularly on lower-income households, also emerged.

The conference explored geopolitical fragmentation, the links between credit and trade, and sanctions evasion through third-country intermediaries. Analyses of disruptions to maritime routes highlighted how diversifying suppliers and using alternative transport modes can help firms adapt to shocks.

The speaker presentations will soon be made available on Banca d'Italia's website. The next edition of the conference is planned for autumn 2027.