WTO Raises 2026 Global Merchandise Trade Growth Forecast to 3.9% On AI Boom

Asharq Al-Awsat EnglishOctober 9, 2026By Asharq Al Awsat

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has upgraded its global merchandise trade growth forecast for 2026 to 3.9%, a significant jump from its previous 1.9% projection made in March. The upward revision is primarily driven by surging investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and adaptable supply chains, which have successfully cushioned economic shocks from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The latest WTO Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report expects 4.1% growth in 2027, up from a previous forecast of 2.6%, and marginally below 2025 trade volume growth of 4.2%.

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