As we enter 2025, the ripple effects of a historic year of elections are reshaping industries worldwide. More than 70 countries held national elections in 2024, resulting in unprecedented (or “unpresidented”?) turnover for half the world’s population, including the pivotal U.S. Presidential election. More than ever before, the global political environment is driving profound changes in the moving sector.

This issue of The Portal examines how elections influence critical policies such as immigration, trade, economic reform, and environmental sustainability, all of which directly impact relocation trends and operational strategies. In Washington, DC, political transitions sparked by the U.S. elections will create a surge in government personnel relocations. Meanwhile, in India, post-election economic reforms are fueling domestic and international moves tied to industrial growth and foreign investment. Elsewhere, geopolitical changes at home and abroad are introducing uncertainty and potential changes in every aspect of the moving industry.

Our contributors highlight the interconnectedness of political shifts and the global moving industry. They address nearshoring trends in the Americas, evolving trade policies, rising interest rates, and the growing influence of environmental regulations. These insights emphasize the importance of agility and innovation for industry professionals navigating these regulatory and demographical transformations.

This theme was chosen because elections affect every aspect of the moving industry, from government and corporate relocations to the evolving expectations of environmentally-conscious consumers. By examining these dynamics, we provide readers with strategic insights to remain competitive and forward-thinking in a rapidly-evolving market.