WTO raises 2026 global merchandise trade growth forecast to 3.9%
In short
The WTO now expects global merchandise trade volume to grow 3.9% in 2026, and 4.1% in 2027.
That suggests trade could improve over the next two years, but the report does not say which countries or industries will benefit most. The details behind the forecast are not stated.
What the reporting says
The WTO raised its forecast for global merchandise trade volume growth to 3.9% in 2026, with growth expected to increase to 4.1% in 2027. The update was cited from the WTO’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics in a publisher summary. The report does not say which regions or sectors will drive the improvement, or how tariffs and demand conditions may change.
Why it matters
The WTO’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics lifted its forecast for global merchandise trade volume growth to 3.9% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027. That matters for exporters, shipping-linked businesses, and trade-sensitive markets because it signals stronger expected cross-border demand. The summary does not explain the drivers of the revision or identify any country-level impact.