WTO Increases 2026 Trade Growth Forecast to 3.9%
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has increased its forecast for global merchandise trade growth to 3.9% for 2026, up from 1.9% projected in March, despite ongoing disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East. This revised projection was released in the WTO’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report on October 8, 2026.
The organization anticipates further growth of 4.1% in 2027. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attributed the improved outlook to the resilience of international trade and the adaptability of global supply chains.
The report highlights that strong investments in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure have helped mitigate the impact of the conflict by increasing demand for AI-related goods. The WTO projects that Asia will lead in merchandise export growth at 9.9%, followed by North America at 5.7%, Africa at 5.6%, and South America at 3.4%.
Additionally, Nigeria's merchandise trade surplus surged by 340.88% to N7.55 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Nairametrics. Read the original report below.
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