WTO Upgrades Goods Trade Forecast as AI Boom Offsets Middle East Disruption
The World Trade Organization has raised its 2026 merchandise trade growth forecast to 3.9% from 1.9%, as trade in AI-enabling goods such as chips and servers jumped 67% and supplied almost half of goods trade growth. It cut the services outlook to 3.3% because the Middle East conflict hit transport and travel. We explain the numbers, the energy and fertiliser shock, the regional winners and losers, the risks, and what it means for UK businesses.
