WTO: Global Goods Trade Strengthens Despite Uneasy Politics

Global trade in goods has strengthened from June despite geopolitical and policy-related uncertainties, the World Trade Organization said on Wednesday, signaling resilience in merchandise flows even as risks remain elevated.

The September reading of the WTO's barometer tracking merchandise trade growth was 102, an improvement from the June barometer of 101.7, with growth remaining above trend.

The WTO publishes its Goods Trade Barometer four times a year. It covers export orders, air freight, container shipping, automotive products, raw materials and electronic components.

Readings above 100 indicate growth above the baseline trend of 100, while figures below 100 point to below-trend growth.

The Geneva-based trade body said the strengthening came despite uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions and trade policy developments.

In March, the WTO forecast that growth in world trade in goods would slow down markedly to 1.9% this ‌year from 4.6% in 2025 and could decelerate even more if the U.S. war with Iran continues to push up energy prices and disrupt global transport.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on global trading partners, while shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil supplies used to transit, has been severely disrupted by