A leading U.S.-based dispute resolution provider has reported a marked increase in international arbitration activity, underscoring the growing reliance on private mechanisms to resolve cross-border commercial conflicts.
The Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS) said in its 2025 Resolution Report that it recorded 21,939 new cases over the past year and managed a total of 28,345 active matters, reflecting sustained demand for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services.
Of the new filings, 308 were international cases, representing an increase of nearly 16 percent compared with 2024. The disputes involved parties from a wide range of jurisdictions, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the expanding global footprint of ADR.
The report also pointed to a sharp rise in arbitration specifically, with international arbitrations filed under JAMS rules increasing by 51 percent year over year. The figures suggest that businesses engaged in cross-border transactions are increasingly turning to arbitration as a preferred method for resolving disputes outside traditional court systems.
U.S. cities continued to dominate as venues for international arbitration. According to JAMS, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Miami were the most frequently selected locations, reinforcing the United States’ role as a central hub for global dispute resolution.
Kimberly Taylor, chief executive officer and president of JAMS, said the data reflects continued confidence in ADR processes and the professionals who oversee them. She noted that the organization’s services are increasingly being relied upon to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes efficiently.
The findings come amid a broader global trend toward faster, more flexible legal processes, as companies seek to avoid the cost and delays often associated with litigation in national courts. Analysts say the rise in international arbitration signals a structural shift in how commercial disputes are being managed in an increasingly interconnected global economy.