The evidence in this publication points to a clear conclusion: GVCs remain a central feature of the world economy, but they are changing in ways that require better measurement. The first message is that trade via global value chains stands at a historical peak.
The second message is that across sectors, responses to shifts in global trade and trade policy have been uneven, with some industries increasing and others reducing their reliance on imported inputs between 2011 and 2024. Trade via GVCs has remained particularly pronounced in manufacturing and transport-related activities, with the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products consistently standing out as the most GVC-dependent sector throughout the period. At the same time, sectoral trajectories have diverged: the motor vehicles industry has notably reduced its reliance on GVCs, dropping in relative importance from sixth to tenth place, whereas the pharmaceutical industry has moved in the opposite direction, becoming more deeply integrated into global production networks.
The third message is that multinational production is as important as trade for understanding globalisation. MNEs account for more than half of world exports. Around 85% of foreign affiliate production abroad is controlled by OECD-headquartered MNEs. This means that decision taken by MNEs on investment, sourcing, technology, and the location of production continue to shape the geography and resilience of GVCs.
The fourth message is that services globalisation is larger and more complex than traditional services trade statistics suggest. Services are supplied across borders, embedded in manufacturing exports and delivered through affiliates established abroad. International investment and commercial presence are becoming increasingly important alongside cross-border digital and professional services trade.
The value of the updated OECD GVC datasets is that they allow policymakers to ask sharper questions. Are observed changes in trade values driven by real restructuring or by prices? Where is domestic VA created? Which firms organise production abroad? How important are services supplied through foreign affiliates? Where do indirect VA flows reveal continuing interdependence despite changes in direct trade? Answering these questions is essential for moving beyond simple narratives of globalisation or deglobalisation and towards more targeted, proportionate and internationally informed policy choices.