More than 120 customer experience (CX) executives will convene in Munich, Germany from May 7 to 8 for the CXOutsourcers Mindshare Forum, focusing on trade instability, AI integration, and currency risks. The summit aims to explore how geopolitical volatility and protectionist policies affect global supply chains and reshape the outsourcing landscape.
Geopolitical shifts forcing strategic rethinks
Escalating trade tensions and an unpredictable U.S. dollar are compelling global business process outsourcing (BPO) providers to reassess delivery frameworks and client portfolios. But experts warn against a hasty retreat from the U.S. market but acknowledge the growing risks of tariffs, disrupted supply chains, and uncertain policy directions.
“Don’t panic. Anyone considering the U.S. market shouldn’t abandon it entirely,” said Peter Ryan, founder of Ryan Strategic Advisory and a CXOutsourcers founding member, in an interview with Nearshore Americas. “There’s still immense value in the U.S. from an outsourcing perspective. Stay clear-eyed, observe closely, but don’t write it off.”
Uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy remains a central concern, especially under former President Donald Trump. Although potential deals with India, Japan, and South Korea have bolstered some confidence, Trump’s assertive “I’ll be setting the deal” approach continues to inject volatility into trade negotiations.
High tariffs, reaching up to 145% on Chinese goods, and Beijing’s retaliatory actions have nearly stalled U.S.-China trade, triggering supply chain bottlenecks in sectors such as electronics and raw materials.
Sessions at the forum will offer insight into managing financial exposure, maintaining operational resilience, and adapting delivery models amid an evolving geopolitical landscape.
AI adoption in a fractured world
Beyond geopolitical risks, the forum also highlights AI’s transformative and disruptive potential in outsourcing operations. While the technology promises to streamline CX delivery, reduce dependency on fragile labor markets, and offer 24/7 support, executives must weigh implementation challenges alongside geopolitical constraints.
The forum will explore responsible AI integration, balancing automation with human expertise while adapting to varied international regulations. While many BPO firms have deployed AI chatbots, Ryan said that fears of mass job loss are overstated.
Ryan told Nearshore Americas that their research shows that AI mainly automates simple tasks, such as password resets or address changes. “What we’re really seeing now is AI being used to enable agents, not replace them,” he added.
Looking ahead: resilience in a fragmented world
CX leaders will also explore the rise of multilingual delivery hubs and the emergence of new BPO powerhouses, from the Philippines to Poland. These trends reflect a broader pivot toward diversified, resilient service models.
“This forum is essential for understanding where the industry is headed—and how to pivot to stay competitive through 2026,” Ryan emphasized.
As geopolitical risks intensify and AI continues to reshape CX operations, the CXOutsourcers Mindshare Forum promises to deliver actionable insights for outsourcing leaders building resilience in a post-globalization world.
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Briones, J. A. (2025, May 3). Outsourcing leaders to tackle geopolitical risks, AI at Munich forum. Outsource Accelerator. Retrieved from https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/outsourcing-leaders-to-tackle-geopolitical-risks/
Stacey, K., Courea, E., & O’Carroll, L. (2025, April 29). Trump ‘makes trade deal with UK second-order priority’ in blow to ministers. Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/29/trump-makes-trade-deal-with-uk-second-order-priority-in-blow-to-ministers
