WTO Raises 2025 Trade Forecast, Warns of 2026 Slowdown from US Tariffs

By ANDERSON (ANDY) CLIFF

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has raised its forecast for global trade growth in 2025 to 2.4%, up from an earlier 0.9%.

The boost is driven by growing demand for AI-related goods and a surge in exports to the United States ahead of planned tariff increases.

However, the WTO warned that 2026 could be much slower, with trade growth projected at just 0.5% due to the impact of US tariffs.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged countries not to be complacent despite the strong 2025 outlook.

“The current resilience in trade should not lead to complacency. Nations must reimagine global trade in the face of mounting disruptions,” she said.

The WTO also expects global GDP growth of 2.7% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026.