UNCTAD – Top Trends Redefining Global Trade in 2026

This report analyzes major trends shaping global trade in 2026, focusing on economic, geopolitical, and policy factors influencing trade dynamics worldwide.

Key findings include slowing global economic and trade growth, challenges faced by developing countries, WTO reform crossroads, rising tariffs and protectionism, reconfiguration of global value chains, growth in trade of services, surge in South–South trade, integration of sustainability in trade initiatives, impacts on critical minerals trade, importance of agricultural trade for food security, and tightening national trade regulations reshaping global commerce.