In 2026, shipping risk is no longer limited to freight rates or transit time. Sellers now face a more complex cross-border environment shaped by slower trade growth, tighter customs expectations, and greater route uncertainty. The World Trade Organization said merchandise trade volume grew 4.6% in 2025, but its March 2026 outlook expects growth to slow to 1.9% in 2026. In that kind of market, every avoidable logistics mistake becomes more expensive.