WTO Lifts 2025 Trade Forecast, Warns Of Slowdown From US Tariffs In 2026

By ANDERSON (ANDY) CLIFF

THE World Trade Organization (WTO) has raised its 2025 global trade growth forecast to 2.4% from 0.9%, citing rising demand for AI-related goods and a surge in exports to the US ahead of new tariff hikes.

However, the WTO cut its 2026 projection to 0.5% as the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs begins to bite.

WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the current resilience in trade should not lead to complacency, urging nations to “reimagine global trade” amid mounting disruptions.

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