Allianz Trade: International Debt Collection Remains Complex for UK Firms
International debt collection remains complex in 2026, with Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and the UAE posing the biggest challenges. The global Collection Complexity Score is 47.2 out of 100.
Allianz Trade has released an analysis highlighting the ongoing complexities and risks associated with international debt collection for UK businesses in 2026. Despite marginal improvements in recent years, recovering overdue payments across borders continues to be a significant challenge due to global fragmentation and elevated insolvency rates.
The report identifies Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates as the most complex markets for debt recovery. The global Collection Complexity Score stands at 47.2 out of 100, firmly within the "high complexity" category. Approximately US$1.1 trillion in international trade receivables are exposed to markets classified as very high or severe complexity.
Business insolvencies ended 2025 with an upward trend in most countries, and global insolvencies are projected to rise by about 3% in 2026, maintaining elevated non-payment risks. For UK firms, domestic payment performance offers relevant context; listed UK companies recorded an average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) of around 51 days in 2024, with late payments being a persistent issue.
The analysis assesses payment practices, legal proceedings, and insolvency frameworks across dozens of economies. Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal rank among the easiest countries for international debt recovery, supported by efficient legal systems. Conversely, legal, procedural, and payment practice factors increase complexity for foreign creditors in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and the UAE.