EconomyWTO raises global trade outlook as AI boom fuels Asian growth

The World Trade Organization says a surge in AI investment has helped global goods trade withstand the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. It now forecasts merchandise trade volumes to rise 3.9% in 2026, up from 1.9% in March. Much of the strength is concentrated in AI-related products and Asian economies, while the rest of the world remains considerably weaker.