The Growing Opportunities in Global Trade Careers
A career in global trade can be highly lucrative and full of exciting and varied challenges. It can take you anywhere in the world.
For this graphic, Visual Capitalist partnered with the Hinrich Foundation to discover why global trade is such an exciting industry and what students and professionals can do to get ahead.
The Growing Global Trade Industry
In 1995, the international trade of goods and services generated around $6.2 trillion. However, over the last 30 years, the industry has ballooned to approximately $33 trillion in 2024, and the WTO projects that this growth will continue into 2025.
| Exports | 2025 | Imports | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 2.9% | North America | 2.0% |
| South America | -0.1% | South America | 1.7% |
| Europe | 1.8% | Europe | 2.2% |
| Africa | 2.2% | Africa | 1.1% |
| Middle East | 1.0% | Middle East | 1.1% |
| Asia | 4.7% | Asia | 5.4% |
Asian markets that connect economies have been driving this growth. A great example is the Vietnamese market, which provides a neutral ground for the U.S. and China to trade despite geopolitical differences.
The Variety of Careers in International Trade
The growing global trade industry creates many lucrative career opportunities that go far beyond simple manufacturing or shipping.
Trade offers various career opportunities, from banking and compliance to logistics and marketing.
Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of jobs you could pursue with a career in international trade:
| Category | % of Job Postings |
|---|---|
| Customs & Trade Compliance | 28% |
| International Finance & Banking | 14% |
| International Sales & Marketing | 28% |
| International Trade Policy & Analysis | 1% |
| Supply Chain & Logistics | 30% |
These careers are examples from just one job board. However, trade offers plenty more options, such as technological jobs, human resources, and government relations.
A Growth-Focused Career
While the future of global trade may be more restrictive concerning trade and investment, these restrictions are expected to create a staggering 1.3 million jobs globally by 2030.
| Title | Employment Change | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts | +8.3% | $75K |
| Sales Managers | +5.9% | $135K |
| Logisticians | +19.3% | $79K |
| Operations Managers | +5.8% | $101K |
| Computer and IT managers | +17.4% | $170K |
| Human Resource Specialists | +7.9% | $68K |
| Financial Risk Specialists | +8.4% | $106K |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | +9.5% | $99K |
| Lawyer | +5.2% | $146K |
| Compliance Officers | +5.4% | $76K |
The U.S., in particular, is set to see incredible growth in various international trade roles between 2023 and 2033. Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of jobs that would grow and their median wages:
A Changing Landscape
The global trade landscape is changing, but these changes are creating incredible demand for skilled professionals and eager students. So much so that 37% of employers are considering outsourcing as they cannot find people with the right skills.
However, a master’s degree can help you gain the necessary skills to accelerate your career. To find the right master’s program, explore the free Hinrich Foundation Guide in International Business and Trade.
Download the Free Guide
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