UNCTAD said in its Global Trade Update released June 22 that global trade continued to expand in 1H 2026, but with rising price pressures and a more uneven pattern of growth. It estimates goods trade at about $13.7 trillion, up 12.5% YoY, and services trade up 10.5% YoY, with combined trade adding roughly $2 trillion and on track for an annual record. Strong demand for high‑tech goods—AI-related equipment, semiconductors and data‑centre infrastructure—was a key driver. UNCTAD cautioned that pric

UNCTAD said in its Global Trade Update released June 22 that global trade continued to expand in 1H 2026, but with rising price pressures and a more uneven pattern of growth. It estimates goods trade at about $13.7 trillion, up 12.5% YoY, and services trade up 10.5% YoY, with combined trade adding roughly $2 trillion and on track for an annual record. Strong demand for high‑tech goods—AI-related equipment, semiconductors and data‑centre infrastructure—was a key driver. UNCTAD cautioned that price pressures, geopolitical tensions and shifts in trade policy could weigh on future trade.