UNCTAD Reports Resilient Global Trade Growth Amid Middle East Conflict
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), has reported a 1.9% increase in the volume of world merchandise trade in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, and a 3.2% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. This growth occurred despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The report highlights that North America experienced a 7.0% year-on-year increase in exports, although imports decreased by 10.7% due to previous frontloading ahead of anticipated tariff hikes. The trade in AI-related goods has been a significant contributor to this growth, with a reported 40% increase in value year-on-year. 
