Global trade has experienced an unexpected boost this year. Thanks to surging exports of AI-related goods and a rush of imports into the US ahead of US President Trump's tariff hikes.  But the World Trade Organisation warns that 2026 could paint a very different picture. 

WTO Warns of Trade Uncertainties Impacting 2026 Growth Amid AI Surge And Tariffs

At a time when global trade faces multiple challenges on its path to recovery, the World Trade Organisation chief has a warning. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says former President Donald Trump’s plan to raise tariffs on US Imports will spark a “free for all” in the global trading system.

WTO Chief: Trump’s tariff plan will be 'lose-lose' for all

Global trade is expected to see a modest rebound in 2024 after experiencing a decline in 2023 for only the third time in 30 years. That’s what the World Trade Organization predicts. This upward trend is attributed to easing inflationary pressures. However, the WTO has also revised its initial 2024 growth forecast downwards to 2.6% from 3.3%, citing potential risks. These risks include geopolitical tensions & rising protectionism.

Global goods trade to rebound slowly in 2024

The world merchandise trade volume is projected to pick up gradually and increase by 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025 after falling 1.2% in 2023 due to the lingering effects of high energy prices and inflation. World Trade Organisation (WTO) economists said in a new forecast

WTO: Global goods trade to rebound slowly in 2024

The World Trade Organisation's director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is hopeful that a fisheries subsidies agreement will be ratified this year, despite the disappointment of not finalising the deal at the recently-concluded ministerial conference.

WTO wants fishing subsidies agreement to be ratified this year

The Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) said that "the world" may undershoot the 3.3% merchandise trade growth rate for this year. Trade Ministers from nearly every country in the world gathered in Abu Dhabi on Monday for a World Trade Organisation meeting that aims to set new global commerce rules. But even its ambitious Chief Okonjo-Iweala sought to curb expectations.

WTO Director General signals possible shortfall in trade growth | World Business Watch

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