WTO

BREAKING: Trade is forecast to slow in 2026 after stronger than expected growth in 2025. WTO economists also provide a scenario of even weaker growth if the Middle East conflict leads to a prolonged period of higher energy prices. #GlobalTradeOutlook More: bit.ly/4cVMJ7V

Our March 2026 Global Trade Outlook and Statistics is out today! Please click on the link to access the report. Headline info is a stronger than expected 4.6% merchandise trade volume growth in 2025 due to frontloading and strong performance of trade in AI-related goods. We forecast a modest 1.9% growth in 2026 with a rebound to 2.6% in 2027. The recent conflict in the Middle East with the attendant rise in energy prices, if sustained, could shave 0.5% off merchandise trade growth this year - lowering it from 1.9% to 1.4%. Services trade is expected to grow at more than twice the rate of goods trade in 2026. For details please look at the report. wto.org/english/res_e/…

How will the Middle East conflict impact trade in 2026? Higher energy prices, transport disruptions, and fertilizer supplies are factors that may affect trade in goods and services according to the latest #GlobalTradeOutlook. More: bit.ly/4cVMJ7V

Arbitrator to set level of trade suspension in Indonesia–EU palm oil biofuels dispute #TradeDisputes dlvr.it/TRb2hD

📢Alongside @WTO #MC14, @TradeMinClimate will host its 3rd Ministerial meeting, bringing together over 60 Ministers from various regions, development levels, climate vulnerabilities & trade circumstances. Preparations are underway! 🗓27 March, 8h15-9h45 📍Yaoundé, Cameroon

The Global Trade Conference 2026 continues with ‘Evolution or revolution: the future of the international trade system’, examining how tariffs, geopolitical disruption, and shifting regional dynamics are reshaping global trade norms, while exploring the priorities of the WTO, regional alternatives, and strategies for business resilience. 🗨️ 'So trade is one of the most technically complex areas of economic policy. What we've found in recent years is that there's been a drift away from the technical element of trade policy formulation and implementation. Needless to say, with certain administrations, that has been more pronounced than others, and it's become more ideological than practical.' - Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, Founder and Managing Director, ETK Group Speakers: ▪️ Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation ▪️ Ambassador Philip Fox-Drummond Gough, Secretary of Economic and Financial Affairs, Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (virtual) ▪️ Steven Lynch MBE, Director, International Trade, British Chamber of Commerce ▪️ Bright Okogu, Chef de Cabinet, World Trade Organization ▪️ Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, Founder and Managing Director, ETK Group Chair: ▪️ Rem Korteweg, Associate Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Programme, Chatham House Find out more 🔗 chathamhouse.org/events/all/con… #CHGlobalTrade #ChathamHouse #GlobalTrade

Preparing for #WTOMC14? Check out our briefing notes for background information on key discussion topics. 👉 bit.ly/4rJlW2e

“A key opportunity to move our work forward.” As #WTOMC14 approaches, General Council Chair Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel shares perspectives on members’ engagement and the progress made so far.

Market Access Committee adopts decision on recording the resolution of trade concerns #MarketAccess dlvr.it/TRZ26p

Canada launches safeguard investigation on certain vegetable goods #WTOAg dlvr.it/TRYySL

🛒 What's the state of play in e-commerce? Check out the recent discussions on this subject: bit.ly/4dsSpWY #WTOMC14

Register by 16h CET today for the #WTOMC14 Partenariat pour le Coton event, exploring cotton’s role in global trade, investment opportunities, launch of the PPC Investment Platform & more — with @SamuelEtoo. Sign up via partenariat_pour_le_coton@wto.org 🔗bit.ly/4ltqesW

Technology is reshaping how the world trades. How should trade rules respond? Ambassador Richard Brown, Facilitator of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, shares how WTO members are tackling e-commerce ahead of #WTOMC14.

With #WTOMC14 approaching, Ambassador Kadra Hassan—Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development in Special Session—shares the progress members are making in their discussions to advance development issues for developing economies, including LDCs.

📢 This month's "News Harvest": ▶️#WTOAg talks Chair tables draft #WTOMC14 text ▶️Gulf conflict could affect fertilizer trade, agencies say ▶️US ends emergency tariffs, announces new surcharge Read: bit.ly/4uy2F6B Subscribe: bit.ly/3LmmvtR