WTO Raises Global Trade Forecast to 3.9% Amid AI-Driven Demand

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has increased its forecast for global merchandise trade growth this year to 3.9%, from 1.9%, as strong demand linked to investments in artificial intelligence helped ease disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

The organization reduced its forecast for trade in services to 3.3%, from 4.8% in March, according to the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report.

Trade in goods that enables AI development, including semiconductors and servers, grew by 67% at the annual level, making up 47% of global merchandise trade growth in that period.