WTO lifts global trade outlook as AI boom powers Asian growth
- A surging artificial intelligence investment boom has helped global goods trade withstand the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, prompting the World Trade Organization (WTO) to more than double its forecast for merchandise trade growth this year.
- The Geneva-based international trade body now expects global merchandise trade volumes to grow 3.9 per cent in 2026, up sharply from its March forecast of 1.9 per cent.
- It is projected to accelerate slightly to 4.1 per cent in 2027.
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- A surging artificial intelligence investment boom has helped global goods trade withstand the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, prompting the World Trade Organization (WTO) to more than double its forecast for merchandise trade growth this year.
- The Geneva-based international trade body now expects global merchandise trade volumes to grow 3.9 per cent in 2026, up sharply from its March forecast of 1.9 per cent.
- It is projected to accelerate slightly to 4.1 per cent in 2027.
Sources: CNA