WTO raises global goods trade growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027
The WTO has sharply raised its forecasts for growth in global goods trade this year and next, citing a stronger-than-expected first half of 2026.
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The World Trade Organization now expects the volume of goods traded worldwide to grow by 3.9% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027, according to an ANP report republished by Nieuws.nl. In March, its forecasts for the two years were 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively. These are projections, not final annual growth figures. [1]
WTO economists revised their outlook after trade in the first half of 2026 proved more resilient than they had expected, the report says, despite disruption associated with the war in Iran. ANP says the WTO pointed to supply chains adapting and substantial investment in artificial intelligence as factors supporting goods trade. The report does not quantify either factor’s contribution. [1]
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