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Mid‑market leaders across the globe are investing in sustainability, but not in the same way – or for the same reasons. North and South America see a route to competitive advantage and capital; Europe is turning regulation into efficiency; Asia‑Pacific ties ESG to innovation and digitalization; while Africa backs foundational energy and water to unlock growth.

Instability has come to define the global business landscape. Today, business leaders face an unprecedented array of both routine operational challenges and unpredictable global or regional shocks – challenging their ability to function and grow. From infrastructure breakdowns and cyberattacks to climate disasters and volatile shifts in global trade, disruption has become a daily reality.

Navigating tariffs : Maintaining mid-market resilience amid ongoing uncertainty. At the close of 2024, mid-market businesses were riding a steady wave of optimism. According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report (IBR) research 54.6% of mid-market firms planned to increase their exports, with a similarly strong 50.3% expecting revenue growth from international markets. However, as we entered 2025 trade tensions escalated, with optimism experiencing its first notable dip in two years (down 2.9pp to 72.7%). Despite these early signs of caution emerging among mid-market leaders though, the underlying fundamentals – rooted in agility and strategic foresight – remained relatively robust.

Navigating tariffs : Maintaining mid-market resilience amid ongoing uncertainty. At the close of 2024, mid-market businesses were riding a steady wave of optimism. According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report (IBR) research 54.6% of mid-market firms planned to increase their exports, with a similarly strong 50.3% expecting revenue growth from international markets. However, as we entered 2025 trade tensions escalated, with optimism experiencing its first notable dip in two years (down 2.9pp to 72.7%). Despite these early signs of caution emerging among mid-market leaders though, the underlying fundamentals – rooted in agility and strategic foresight – remained relatively robust.

Exploring the sustainability journey for the mid-market and what's driving these organisations to take action.

Our energy leaders from the Grant Thornton network discuss the latest International Business Report and how businesses in their countries are considering energy costs.

How can recruitment and retention help grow international business?

Grant Thornton’s latest International Business Report (IBR) reveals that the mid-market has high expectations for prospects abroad and is showing an eager appetite to invest.

Top five major constraints that are testing the mid-market’s ability to grow their businesses internationally.

Brand has been identified as a key driver of mid-market success when looking to grow and develop international business.

Evolving supply chains and trade patterns amid ongoing global uncertainty.

The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) is the world’s leading mid-market business survey. Launched in 1992, IBR provides deep analysis and insight into the views and expectations of around 15,000 business leaders globally. The research runs quarterly, interviewing senior executives within mid-market organisations across 35 economies, from all industry sectors. Questionnaires are translated into local languages and fieldwork is undertaken through a mixed methodology, including online and telephone platforms.

If you are planning to do business in Puerto Rico, download this guide with information on the legal, accounting and taxation framework to keep you on the right track.

Transfer pricing is the No. 1 international tax area of concern to multinationals, tax authorities are reviewing transfer pricing to tackle profit shifts that could be detrimental to the tax revenue of their countries or jurisdictions.