Key facts
- Global merchandise trade showed resilience in the first half of 2026.
- The Middle East conflict caused widespread disruption to trade.
- Signs indicate global merchandise trade growth may be starting to slow.
- Surging demand for AI-related electronic components has partly offset negative impacts.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) reported that global merchandise trade demonstrated resilience in the first half of 2026, despite widespread disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. However, the WTO's Goods Trade Barometer report indicates that signs suggest growth may be starting to slow. The negative impact of the conflict may have been partly offset by surging demand for electronic components related to AI.