UNCTAD's 2026 Trade and Development Report projects global GDP growth of 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Growth in developing economies is forecast to slow to 4.0% from 4.7% last year. Asia is expected to supply 59% of global growth in 2026; UN

2026-10-09

UNCTAD's 2026 Trade and Development Report projects global GDP growth of 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Growth in developing economies is forecast to slow to 4.0% from 4.7% last year. Asia is expected to supply 59% of global growth in 2026; UNCTAD identifies East Asia as central to rapid expansion in semiconductors and advanced computing manufacturing. The report says AI-related goods have become a major driver of merchandise trade but cautions that growth in AI trade will not automatically deliver broad development gains.