Global complexity eases slightly, but debt collection remains a major challenge
The Collection Complexity Score uses four grades:
- Notable (below 40): Lowest complexity
- High (40–50): Elevated complexity
- Very High (50–60): Significant complexity
- Severe (above 60): Highest complexity
The 2026 global average of 47.2 is marginally lower than the 2022 edition (49/100), reflecting a narrower distribution of risk. Fewer countries now fall into the "Severe" category (15% vs. 16% in 2022) and "Very High" category (21% vs. 29%), while more countries are rated "High" (29% vs. 24%) and "Notable" (35% vs. 31%).
However, with business insolvencies remaining elevated worldwide and global fragmentation deepening amid shifting trade patterns, volatile protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and growing digital risks, debt collection is expected to become increasingly complex, particularly for exporters.
Fabrice Desnos, Member of Allianz Trade's Board of Management, responsible for Credit Intelligence, Reinsurance, and Surety: "We estimate that 48% of international trade receivables are in countries at 'Very High' (22%) or 'Severe' (26%) collection complexity. Compared to 2022, this represents a limited increase of one percentage point, but a significant rise in absolute value to USD 1.1 trillion due to expanding global trade. Insolvency proceedings still account for the bulk of collection complexity in all regions. Local payment practices stand out as the main driver of collection complexity in the Middle East, while court-related complexities are less frequent in Western Europe than in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. These structural factors explain why international debt collection remains a difficult process worldwide."
Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and the UAE are the most complex markets for debt recovery
Allianz Trade assessed local payment practices, court proceedings, and insolvency frameworks across 52 economies.
Easiest countries for international debt collection:
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Portugal
Most challenging countries for international debt collection:
- Saudi Arabia
- Mexico
- UAE
Pascal Personne, Head of Group Claims and Collections at Allianz Trade: "International debt collection is almost three times more complex in Saudi Arabia than in Germany, but Germany is not without complexities in terms of international collection. The gap between advanced economies and emerging markets has been gradually reducing over time, notably in Asia, but it remains in place. Most advanced economies have a 'Notable' level of collection complexity. On average, the Middle East and Africa are the two most complex regions."
Doing business in Next Generation Trade Hubs requires selectivity
Amid structural shifts in the global trading system, new trade hubs are emerging as links in new trading routes and as manufacturing centers. However, recovering debt in these markets remains a challenge for exporters, adding to existing country risks.
Maxime Lemerle, Lead Analyst for Insolvency Research at Allianz Trade: "In a world divided by geopolitics, protectionism, and the effects of climate change, global trade is forging new paths. But emerging 'Next Generation Trade Hubs,' including the UAE, Vietnam, and Malaysia, display a 'Severe' level of collection complexity, with an average score of 62. While these markets are increasingly critical in the current context, this calls for selectivity and close credit management when considering doing more business there."
