On 8 October, the World Trade Organization (WTO) published its latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report. The report raises the forecast for world merchandise trade volume to 3.9% growth in 2026, up from the March forecast of 1.9%, and to 4.1% in 2027. Commercial services trade volume is projected to grow by 3.3% in 2026, down from the earlier forecast of 4.8%, before increasing to 6.4% in 2027. The revision reflects evidence that investment in artificial intelligence (AI)‑related infrastructure boosted trade in AI‑enabling goods, despite effects in other sectors due to conflict in the Middle East. In the updated data, demand for AI‑enabling goods, such as semiconductors – or ‘AI chips’ – and servers, accounted for 47% of global merchandise trade growth and trade in AI-enabling goods increased by 67% year‑on‑year.
by Digital Watch Observatory – WTO’s global trade outlook revised, ‘AI boom’ offsets regional conflict
