WTO downgrades global trade growth forecast to 0.5% for next year

The World Trade Organization has significantly lowered its 2026 global merchandise trade volume growth forecast to 0.5%, citing delayed impacts from U.S. tariffs. While concerned, the WTO notes resilience in the rules-based system. The 2025 forecast was upgraded to 2.4% due to U.S. import front-loading and AI goods trade.