Archive · 10 Aug 2025
WTO Predicts Softer Global Trade Slowdown Amidst Tariff Concerns
The WTO, an international trade organization, predicts a slower decline in global trade.
This is because companies are importing goods quickly to avoid potential new tariffs.
However, the WTO warns that while there might be some immediate benefits, the uncertainty created by these tariffs could hurt business investment and make it harder to plan ahead.
The WTO's Director-General has warned that further escalation of trade tensions may cause economic damage.
WTO forecasts a milder slowdown in global merchandise trade for 2025.
Global goods trade is expected to grow by 0.9% in 2025, improving from a previous projection of a 0.2% decline.
Importers are accelerating imports to avoid potential tariffs.
Growth in 2026 is forecast at 1.8%, slower than the previous estimate of 2.5%.
Tariff uncertainty continues to weigh on business confidence and investment.
- Who
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- What
- WTO forecasts a milder slowdown in global merchandise trade.
- When
- 2025 and 2026
- Where
- Global
- Why
- Due to importers accelerating imports ahead of potential tariffs and the impacts of tariff uncertainty on the global economy.
US Trade Officials' View
WTO's View
Market Access
US Trade Officials' View
Tariff strategy has yielded faster foreign market access.
WTO's View
WTO framework's potential slow pace
- Organization
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- 2025 Trade Growth Forecast
- 0.9%
- 2026 Trade Growth Forecast
- 1.8%
- Primary Driver
- Importers rushing to secure products ahead of tariffs.
Sources
Global trade to grow 0.9% this year; high tariffs to impact in 2026: WTO forecast
US imports drop as tariff uncertainty takes toll on retailers
China inches closer to overtaking US as Germany’s largest trading partner amid tariff shifts
Centre may roll out ₹2,250 crore export promotion mission soon: Official
Govt may roll out ₹2,250 cr export promotion mission soon: Official
US tariff shock puts MSMEs at risk
Around $30-35 billion of India’s merchandise exports to America at risk from Trump’s tariffs, says UBS Chief India Economist
Government mulls support measures to address industry anxiety over US tariffs - Telegraph India