HighlightThis edition of the Global Trade Update presents the latest data and trends in international trade.Global trade grew by $2.5 trillion in 2025, increasing by about 7.5% to a record of $35 trillionTrade in goods drove most of the expansion, growing by about 7% and adding roughly $1.8 trillion to global growth.Trade in services grew by arou...
HighlightThe Strait of Hormuz remains practically closedUnder normal conditions, it is one of the world’s most vital arteries of energy-related trade, accounting for a significant share of global oil and gas supplies – the foundation of much of what the world produces, trades and consumes.Key takeawaysSoaring oil and gas prices may inflate the ...
HighlightExport diversification has long been promoted to reduce commodity dependence, yet its empirical relationship with commodity dependence may be more complex than traditionally understood.Using data from 183 countries between 1995 and 2019, this paper explores how economic complexity, a measure of the sophistication and technological intens...
HighlightScience, technology and innovation (STI) parks have become vital engines of social and economic development, supporting the creation, diffusion and application of knowledge and technologies.As a key component of national innovation systems, they link research and academic institutions with industries, entrepreneurs, investors and governments....
HighlightA stable and predictable multilateral trading system is essential for global economic growth and sustainable development. World Trade Organization (WTO) rules were designed to ensure predictable market access by preventing sudden trade restrictions and discrimination between trading partners.Yet trade rules have become less predictable. Count...
HighlightThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying around a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. The ongoing military escalation in the region has disrupted shipping flows through this narrow passage. The resulting ...
HighlightGlobal trade is being reshaped by shifting trade partnerships and policies, evolving supply chains and the search for resilient growth. This report examines two decades of trade expansion among the 10 BRICS members, revealing how economic ties are evolving and creating new opportunities for the global South.BRICS is named for its founding members,...
HighlightThe global push towards clean energy is driving a surge in demand for critical energy transition minerals such as cobalt and nickel – essential for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable technologies. Mineral-rich developing countries stand to benefit. But without targeted policies, the gains risk bypassing women.Drawing on case studies from ...
New initiatives aim to bolster resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global economy.Default image copyright and description© UNCTAD PhotoAs geopolitical fragmentation, maritime disruption and climate shocks reshape global trade, Japan and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) are scaling up strategic cooperation to help developing countri...
19 February 202610:00 - 12:00 hrs. Movenpick-Mercure HotelLocation: Windhoek, NamibiaAdd to CalendarKey IssuesOn 19 February 2026, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its Extractive Commodities Section within the Division of International Trade and Commodities, will organize the launch of the report “Rapid assessment of value addition and diversifi...
