Global goods trade continues to grow: World Trade Organisation

According to Dawn, the World Trade Organisation says global merchandise trade kept expanding in mid-2026, even as geopolitical and policy uncertainty persists. The latest reading of its Goods Trade Barometer came in at 102.0, above the baseline of 100 and the earlier figure of 101.7 recorded last June. The organisation said this points to trade volumes running above their recent trend and gaining pace.

The WTO noted that the negative effect of the Middle East conflict is partly being offset by firm demand for electronic components and other goods tied to artificial intelligence investment. The electronic components index was the strongest of the component readings at 104.9, while container shipping dipped slightly below trend at 99.6. The barometer was released on Wednesday and is described as a leading indicator of merchandise trade.

The organisation has 166 members that together account for 98 per cent of world trade, and more than 20 countries are negotiating to join. Every member has entered through negotiation, so membership carries a balance of rights and obligations.