**London**: The Herald explores how emerging technologies like 3D printing are poised to disrupt global trade by minimising tariffs and optimising production. Author Jeremy Rifkin discusses the transformative potential for SMEs in this evolving economic landscape amid rising geopolitical tensions.
In a detailed analysis of the interplay between emerging technologies and global trade, The Herald has outlined the transformative potential of additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, which is poised to disrupt traditional economic models. Author Jeremy Rifkin presents a compelling view on the implications of this shift, highlighting how high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can navigate the complexities of an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Rifkin notes that on April 2nd, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will announce a reciprocal tariff scheme, aimed at various nations in a bid to address what the Trump administration describes as their tariffs obligations. This initiative, according to Rifkin, is part of a larger “geopolitical tariff war,” which he posits could ultimately falter in the face of rapid technological advancements transforming global commerce.
Central to this transformation is the rise of additive manufacturing, which allows companies to bypass tariffs by sharing digital software files containing 3D product designs with local distributors. These distributors can then print and deliver products directly to consumers, all at a fraction of the traditional costs associated with physical goods transport. This change is anticipated to render many tariffs obsolete, although specific categories, such as fossil fuels and agricultural products, may still be affected.
The author claims that the Third Industrial Revolution is redefining the commercial framework from “seller-buyer markets” to “provider-user networks.” This shift is underscored by the potential to establish AI-driven additive manufacturing facilities at ports, expediting the distribution of 3D printed goods. The economic implications are significant: in 2024, global logistics costs associated with cargo transport were projected to reach $12.8 trillion, representing 11.6% of the world’s GDP. Streamlining these processes through additive manufacturing could considerably lower business costs and product prices.
Furthermore, the integration of 3D printing technologies has been linked to substantial efficiencies; in a Deloitte study referencing the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noted that companies employing 3D printing technologies reduced lead times by 70% compared to those using traditional supply chains.
Rifkin also draws attention to environmental considerations, suggesting that optimising port operations and reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-driven transport may lower greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 11%. As global climate challenges disrupt logistics and commerce, the adaptability offered by additive manufacturing is increasingly emphasised.
He highlights innovative applications of 3D printing, from constructing houses with sustainable materials to developing products across various sectors, including medicine and aerospace. In an illustrative example, Mario Cucinella, an Italian architect, created a clay house using locally sourced materials with little waste, showcasing the potential for additive manufacturing to address urgent housing needs effectively and sustainably.
This technological advancement benefits SMEs significantly, allowing them to minimise upfront costs and adapt rapidly to market demands without heavy logistical investments. Rifkin points out that while major corporations have begun exploring 3D printing, SMEs dominate the global business landscape: they constitute 99.8% of non-financial businesses in the European Union and 99.9% in the United States, underscoring their critical role in driving economic growth and job creation.
As the dynamics of global trade evolve, Rifkin anticipates that nations may attempt to impose tariffs on digital software files related to 3D printing. However, he argues that the pervasive nature of SMEs and their rapidly evolving networks would render such efforts largely ineffective.
Overall, the narrative projects a future where the infrastructure of the Third Industrial Revolution—characterised as distributed and innovative—contrasts sharply with the centralised nature of previous industrial models. Rifkin concludes that, if allowed to flourish, this new paradigm could democratise economic power, making it more accessible to a larger portion of the global population.
In summary, as the discourse around tariffs and global trade intensifies, the promise of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies emerges as a powerful counterforce, reshaping how the world may engage economically in the years to come.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
