UNCTAD says services trade is reshaping global commerce; digital-deliverable services grew 7.1% annually over the past decade and now account for 56% of global services exports. Least-developed countries’ share of global services trade has fallen to

2026-09-07

UNCTAD says services trade is reshaping global commerce; digital-deliverable services grew 7.1% annually over the past decade and now account for 56% of global services exports. Least-developed countries’ share of global services trade has fallen to 0.6%, and digital-deliverable services represent just 16% of their services exports. UNCTAD identifies weak network connectivity and inadequate digital payments infrastructure as key constraints and calls for stepped-up digital infrastructure to help developing economies, particularly LDCs, integrate into global digital services trade.