WTO hikes global trade growth forecast, names Pakistan among nations gaining from disruptions amid ME conflict
ISLAMABAD: The World Trade Organisation on Thursday sharply raised its global trade growth forecast for 2026 — with merchandise trade riding the AI boom — and concluded that some nations, including Pakistan, were actually benefiting from trade disruptions amid the ongoing Middle East conflict in some ways. In its Global Trade Outlook Update 2026, the Geneva-based global trade watchdog said its…
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has significantly increased its global trade growth forecast for 2026, with merchandise trade expected to grow by 3.9% and 4.1% in 2027, up from previous estimates of 1.9% and 2.6%. Pakistan is among the nations benefiting from trade disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. According to the WTO's Global Trade Outlook Update 2026, Pakistan's exports of sea freight transport services rose by 73% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, as transport operators took advantage of increased traffic.
The report highlighted that the global economy has remained resilient despite the conflict, reflecting a stronger-than-expected surge in AI-related capital investment and increased supplies of fuels and fertilizers from countries outside the Middle East.
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