Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, General Council, and More
World Trade Organization
The WTO's goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
A round-up of WTO news and events
3 - 9 October
LATEST NEWS
WTO members discuss professional qualification recognition and other services trade issues
The WTO Council for Trade in Services met on 2 and 3 October to discuss how to facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications to promote services trade and development. Members also considered the way forward for a proposal in support of least-developed countries and discussed various services trade concerns.
MSME Working Group reviews new trade initiatives, highlights exemplary businesses
The Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) on 3 October reviewed recent initiatives in international fora aimed at empowering small businesses through trade and highlighted preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). Several small businesses were showcased and participants shared experiences on helping companies transition from the informal economy.
DG Okonjo-Iweala: WTO “has important tools worth preserving”
At a meeting of the WTO's General Council on 6-7 October, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala once again underlined the need for fundamental reform of the organization but also highlighted that the WTO “provides important tools that are worth preserving.” The facilitator for the ongoing reform talks delivered his latest update report on the exchanges. WTO members also addressed current developments in global trade, ongoing work and initiatives, and other issues during their two-day meeting, while Saudi Arabia indicated its readiness to host the organization's 15th Ministerial Conference.
AI goods and frontloading lift world trade in 2025 but outlook dims for 2026
Global merchandise trade outpaced expectations in the first half of 2025, driven by increased spending on AI-related products, a surge in North American imports ahead of tariff hikes, and strong trade among the rest of the world. In response, WTO economists raised the 2025 merchandise trade growth forecast to 2.4% (up from 0.9% in August). However, the 2026 projection has been lowered to 0.5% (from 1.8%). Global services exports growth is expected to slow from 6.8% in 2024 to 4.6% in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026.
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CALL & REGISTRATION
ACWL/WTO/ELSA Legal Mooting Masterclass
Prospective participants in the 24th edition of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition on WTO Law, launched on 17 September 2025, are invited to attend webinars aimed at helping them to effectively participate in the competition. Register: https://bit.ly/3KiJwD3
WEIDE Fund Call for Applications in Jordan
Women-led businesses in Jordan can now apply to #WEIDEFund for funding, training, and global market connections to help them scale up! Check eligibility and apply here: https://bit.ly/3INbWEG
Sr business development in e-commerce B2B cross-border. Multi-channels expert driving business growth & commercial strategy, market expansion, partnerships, go-to-market, transformation. Focus on omnichannel Integration
2winsighful
Founder @ Karma Infinity | Regenerative tech & mental wellness | Culturally rooted, open-source systems to uplift 1M lives across 34 domains
2wThe WTO’s October update is a clear two-step: 2025 upgraded, 2026 downgraded. Merchandise trade is now seen growing 2.4% in 2025 (vs. 0.9% prior) on the back of an AI-hardware surge—semis, servers, telecom gear—and US import front-loading; but 2026 is cut to 0.5% as tariff shocks and tighter financial conditions bite. Under the hood: Asia is forecast to lead export growth in 2025 (~5.3%), while services trade cools to 4.6% in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026 after a strong 2024. Execution takeaway: treat 2025 as a window to ship and de-risk—secure capacity in AI-linked supply chains, right-size inventories, and diversify exposure before conditions tighten. Pair that with regional plays where demand is still expanding and keep optionality for a slower 2026. This is a resilience year, not a victory lap.