WTO Raises Global Merchandise Trade Forecast for 2026

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has revised its 2026 global merchandise trade growth forecast to 3.9 percent, up from the previously projected 1.9 percent. This growth is driven largely by higher-than-expected demand for goods required for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Looking ahead, the organization projects that merchandise trade volume growth will reach 4.1 percent in 2027. Conversely, the outlook for commercial services trade has been downgraded, with growth expected to slow to 3.3 percent this year compared to an earlier projection of 4.8 percent.