Global Trade in Goods Strengthens Despite Uncertainties: WTO

Globaltradeingoodshas strengthened from Junedespitegeopolitical and policy-related uncertainties, the WorldTradeOrganization said on Wednesday, signaling resilience in merchandise flows even as risks remain elevated. The September reading of theWTO‘s barometer tracking merchandisetradegrowth was 102, an improvement from the June barometer of 101.7, with growth remaining above trend. TheWTOpublishes itsGoodsTradeBarometer four times a year. It covers export orders, air freight, container shipping, automotive products, raw materials and electronic components. Readings above 100 indicate growth above the baseline trend of 100, while figures below 100 point to below-trend growth. The Geneva-basedtradebody said thestrengtheningcamedespiteuncertainty linked to geopoliticaltensionsandtradepolicy developments. In March, theWTOforecast that growth in worldtradeingoodswould slow down markedly to 1.9% this ‌year from 4.6% in 2025 and could decelerate even more if the U.S. war with Iran continues to push up energy prices and disruptglobaltransport. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sweepingtariffsonglobaltrading partners, while shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth ofglobaloil supplies used to transit, has been severely disrupted by conflict in theMiddleEast. However, strong demand for electronic components tied to investment in AI and digital infrastructure was helping offset the negative effects from those factors, theWTOreport said. Tradegrowth remains uneven across sectors and regions, and theWTOwarned that geopolitical and policy-related risks continue to cloud the outlook due to ongoing disruption to supply chains, shipping routes and transport costs. -Reuters