Global trade surged in early 2026, driven by strong goods demand, rising prices, and booming AI and electric vehicle supply chains despite geopolitical headwinds.
UNCTAD
Commodities can drive growth, but over-reliance leaves economies vulnerable to shocks. UNCTAD's new dashboard helps countries turn data into informed policy decisions.
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) rose 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025, but growth remained concentrated, with developing economies seeing limited gains amid uncertainty.
Rising borrowing costs are squeezing developing countries’ budgets, leaving less funding for education, healthcare, infrastructure and climate action while highlighting the need for more affordable long-term finance.
Demand for critical minerals is rising fast. Supply remains highly concentrated. Trade policy is a strategic tool to increase the gains resulting from trade in critical minerals.
New UNCTAD data show that services now account for most of the world’s $2.5 trillion ocean-related trade, overtaking goods and opening new opportunities for developing countries to create value from the ocean while protecting it.
UNCTAD warns oil price surges could add $20 billion yearly to import bills, hitting vulnerable economies and worsening poverty globally.
UNCTAD warns renewable energy investment alone is insufficient; countries need technology, skills, and flexible policies to build local industries.
Non-tariff measures now exceed tariffs as major trade barriers, increasing export costs and harming developing countries’ global competitiveness.
UNCTAD warns that rising investment in AI and strategic technologies is concentrating capital in a few sectors and countries, increasing the risk that many developing economies will be left behind.
New UNCTAD dashboard tracks risks across shipping, energy, food and finance as shocks from the Strait of Hormuz spread through the global economy.
A new partnership between UNCTAD and Singapore aims to help ports cut emissions, boost resilience, and ensure developing countries are included in the transition to sustainable global shipping.
A global forum where developing countries collaborate, share debt management strategies, and strengthen collective capacity to address rising financial challenges.
Global trade grew strongly in 2025, but geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and uneven gains are slowing growth and increasing risks for developing economies.
What began as disruption in a key energy corridor is now feeding through the entire global economy, UN Trade and Development warns in its second assessment. Update follows initial assessment of March 10.