Global Trade Set to Exceed $35 Trillion in 2025: East Asia and Africa Lead Growth While 2026 Outlook Remains Uncertain

Dec 10, 2025 10:13 am CST

According to the latest UNCTAD report, global trade will surpass $35 trillion in 2025, marking a 7% increase from 2024, driven primarily by East Asian and African markets. While goods trade grew by 6% and services by 9%, forecasts for 2026 indicate slower growth due to geopolitical tensions, rising debt, and economic uncertainty. Manufacturing, particularly AI-related electronics, showed strong 10% growth, while automotive trade declined by 4%.