Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Global Goods Trade Rises 12.5% in 2026
Global trade in goods went up by 12.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching about $13.7 trillion.
This increase was mainly because of higher prices for energy, commodities, and shipping costs.
While countries like South Korea and China saw big increases in their exports, India experienced a drop of 8%.
Service trade also grew, but at a slower pace of 10.5%.
The rise in trade values was more due to higher prices rather than more goods being traded.
Disruptions in shipping and concerns about energy supplies added to the costs.
In the second half of 2026, demand for products like AI-related items, semiconductors, and electric vehicle parts is expected to keep driving trade growth.
Global goods trade increased by 12.5% to $13.7 trillion in the first half of 2026.
Higher energy, commodity, and shipping costs drove the increase in export revenues.
Service trade grew by 10.5%, adding around $2 trillion to global trade.
East Asian economies, particularly South Korea and China, saw significant export growth.
India experienced a sharp decline of 8% in exports during the March quarter.
- Who
- Global economies, particularly East Asian countries like South Korea and China, and India.
- What
- Global goods trade increased by 12.5% to approximately $13.7 trillion in the first half of 2026.
- When
- First half of 2026.
- Where
- Globally, with significant impacts in East Asia and India.
- Why
- Due to higher energy, commodity, and shipping/logistics costs, which inflated export revenues.
Positive Economic Growth
Negative Economic Growth
Export Growth
Positive Economic Growth
East Asian economies, particularly South Korea and China, experienced significant export growth.
Negative Economic Growth
India saw a sharp decline of 8% in exports during the March quarter.
- Global Goods Trade Value
- $13.7 trillion
- Growth Rate
- 12.5%
- Service Trade Growth
- 10.5%
- Price Increase in Goods
- 3.6% in Q1, 5% in Q2
- Strongest Export Growth
- South Korea (20%), China (11%)
- Sharp Decline in Exports
- India (8%)