WTO News

1. AI boom and trade resilience to Middle East crisis lift outlook, but gains to be uneven

   Global trade proved more resilient than expected in the first half of 2026 despite the disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, as supply chains adapted and strong investment in artificial intelligence provided a powerful boost to goods trade. However, the resilience was not uniform, with services trade and some regions more exposed to the effects of the conflict. WTO economists have therefore raised the forecast for merchandise trade growth in 2026 while lowering the outlook for services trade.

2. General Council addresses WTO reform, ministerial follow-ups, ongoing negotiations

   WTO members meeting at the General Council on 5-6 October addressed issues related to the ongoing discussions on WTO reform, follow-up to outcomes of past ministerial conferences, and the state of ongoing negotiations on various topics. Members also discussed issues related to the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, emerging agricultural trade issues, and optimizing the outcome of future ministerial conferences, among other issues.

3. Co-sponsors of sustainability initiative advance work plan towards MC15

   At a meeting on 2 October, co-sponsors of the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) discussed a work plan for 2026-27 in preparation for the 15th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC15). They identified priorities, working methods and potential deliverables for each work area, and expressed broad support for a transition towards more flexible and outcome-oriented work.

4. WTO MSME Group explores IP's role in trade, hears success stories and updates

   The Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) met on 2 October, with a focus on the practical role of intellectual property (IP) in helping small businesses innovate, grow and reach international markets. The meeting included an information session on IP tools and thematic presentations from members, international organizations and stakeholders. Several members reported on MSME initiatives in formal WTO committees.

5. DDG Nordquist: Trade continues apace, showing resiliency

   Speaking at a panel on leadership in global trade at the 17th Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA) Forum on 1 October in Montreux, Deputy Director-General DJ Nordquist said that the WTO and its basic functions are increasingly important as geopolitics and economic security now play a much bigger role in trade decisions, with companies having to think more about geopolitical exposure, security of supply, regulatory risk and resilience.