WTO economists have revised the 2026 global trade forecast upward for merchandise trade, citing AI investment and supply chain adaptation, while lowering the outlook for services trade due to Middle East conflict impacts. The gains are described as uneven across regions and sectors. This is an official WTO statistical/forecast release.
Official NewsWtoInt
WTO raises merchandise trade forecast for 2026, lowers services outlook amid AI boom and Middle East disruption
Original: AI boom and trade resilience to Middle East crisis lift outlook, but gains to be uneven