Global trade in goods and services continued to grow in the second half of 2025. If the forecasts come true, the volume of global trade this year will, for the first time, exceed 35 trillion dollars, increasing by roughly 2.2 trillion dollars, or by 7%, compared with 2024, according to a UN forecast.

The most dynamic growth in trade was observed between developing economies (South–South trade); it amounted to around 8% over the past four quarters, indicating growing resilience in developing regions, UNCTAD noted. Exports from East Asia recorded the highest growth for the year (9%), while intra-regional trade increased by 10%. Africa, meanwhile, demonstrated confident import growth: 10% over the past four quarters. Exports also performed well, rising by 6%. Trade in the automotive sector fell by 1% in the third quarter and by 4% for 2025.

According to UN forecasts, global economic growth will slow to 2.6% in 2025 after 2.9% in 2024; in 2026, the dynamics of trade growth will weaken due to the slowdown in global economic growth, rising debt, higher trade costs, and persistent uncertainty, as global trade and investment face increasing financial volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.