In the aftermath of COVID-19, companies around the world are likely to transform strategies around sourcing and production of intermediates and final goods. There will be incremental ‘domestic’ production and sourcing of intermediates and final goods to limit the extent of disruption and promote local economies; although the possibility of a complete shift looks practically difficult. This will further allow companies to return to normalcy after a similar disruption in future in a relatively quicker time frame. Thus, it is likely to reduce cross-border trade.
The result will be new / incremental investments in ‘consumer’ economies by both local and global companies. This in our view will lead to spurt in increase in M&As / JVs / investments in consumer-driven economies by global MNCs.