FIDI (FIDI Global Alliance) explores the potential impact of the changing policies of the US administration on the global mobility industry.
One of the key panel discussions at the FIDI conference looked at the impact of the recent policy changes from the US administration on the moving industry.
The session was moderated by Jesse van Sas from FIDI, and involved: Laura Ganon, CEO Fink in Brazil; Stephen Cryne, President and CEO of Canadian Employment Relocation Council (CERC); Morgana Sommers, Director of Global services for IAM; John Seal, responsible for business operations at Hildrup International in the USA; and Thijs Deweerdt, from EY, who manages the FAIM programme.
Jesse first wanted to investigate the impact on the mobility industry and the customers it serves. He asked whether companies had already seen any impact on their businesses from the changing policies. John said that uncertainty was creating the greatest impact. He had also seen a reduction in US government work. Laura had seen a similar effect on corporate work but no impact on work from private customers. Thijs said to expect more disruption in supply chains because of increased complexity resulting from the changes. Morgana commented that IAM (International Association of Movers) has seen evidence of the ‘freeze response’ where people do nothing because of uncertainty. She also expected to see more stockpiling of resources such as packing materials.
The moving industry is known to thrive when there is a crisis. Jesse asked if this crisis is potentially good news for movers ...
Photo: The FIDI panel.