WTO raises 2026 trade forecast on AI demand

The World Trade Organization has released its latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, revising up trade forecasts for 2026 and 2027 and highlighting AI-related infrastructure as a major driver of merchandise trade.

• WTO economists now expect world merchandise trade volume to grow by 3.9% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027, while commercial services trade volume is forecast to grow by 3.3% in 2026 and 6.4% in 2027.
• The report says AI-enabling goods such as semiconductors and servers accounted for 47% of global merchandise trade growth in the first half of 2026, and global AI infrastructure spending is projected to rise by at least 30% in 2026; the report is available on the WTO website.