Global goods trade reached $13.7 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 12.5% – UNCTAD report

When global markets fluctuate and economic forecasts change every month, global trade figures remain the barometer that shows the real state of the world economy. Rising trade volumes amid price pressures and geopolitical risks are not just statistics – they reflect business resilience, adaptability and the ability to find new niches. High tech goods, especially those linked to artificial intelligence, are driving this growth, confirming that the future of the global economy lies in innovation.

According to the latest "Global Trade Update" report released on Tuesday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade continued to grow in the first half of 2026 amid rising price pressures. The volume of global goods trade increased by approximately 12.5% to about $13.7 trillion in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, while services trade grew by 10.5%.

Over the six month period, the combined value of goods and services trade rose by about $2 trillion, and global trade is expected to reach a record annual level. The report noted that demand for high tech products such as AI related goods and semiconductors remained strong in the first six months, supporting the expansion of global trade.

UNCTAD said global trade will continue to face price pressures, geopolitical tensions and changes in trade policy. The organisation stressed that the recovery of global trade remains uneven, with many developing countries facing market access challenges and growing debt burdens. Nevertheless, strong demand for technology and green goods creates new opportunities for export diversification.

As CCTV+ reports. Experts expect growth to continue in the second half, though the pace may slow due to macroeconomic uncertainty.