Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Greenshoring and Resshoring: Changing Faces of Global Supply Chains and its Impact on International Economic Law Introduction to the Special Issue

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the ideals of globalization—open trade, seamless cross-border flows, and economic interdependence—have long promised shared prosperity and efficient resource allocation. However, recent geopolitical tensions, rising logistical costs, and strategic competition have exposed the vulnerabilities of over-reliance on global supply chains. This shift has prompted a reevaluation of globalization’s merits, particularly in times of crisis when national self-interest often overrides cooperative ideals.
This paper explores the evolving dynamics of global trade and supply chain strategies, focusing on the emerging concepts of reshoring and friendshoring. While reshoring aims to bring industries back to their home countries to mitigate supply chain disruptions, friendshoring emphasizes building resilient trade networks among trusted allies. Coined by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, friendshoring seeks to balance economic efficiency with national security by reducing dependence on geopolitical adversaries. The discussion highlights how global businesses must adapt to these shifting paradigms, navigating the tension between economic interdependence and strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing world order.