A global trade record of $35 trillion was set in 2025, the UN trade and development agency UNCTAD said on Friday, UN News reported. But the agency warned that new technological and policy barriers are holding developing countries back.
What drove the global trade record
UNCTAD data show goods trade of about $26.5 trillion and services of about $8.8 trillion. This year, higher trade values are being driven by price rises linked to the energy shock from the US-Iran war, UN News said. UNCTAD projects about 4% trade growth in 2026.
Key Facts
- World trade in 2025: $35 trillion
- China-US trade down more than 20% since 2024
- Asia: 60% of global growth in 2026
- India named among the fastest-growing economies
“Only a fraction of investment by companies is now driven by traditional concerns such as low labour costs.”
— Anastasia Nesvetailova, UNCTAD
Strategic sectors raise barriers
Senior UNCTAD official Anastasia Nesvetailova said value is moving into semiconductors, AI, clean energy and advanced computing, where barriers to entry are high. The agency cited export controls, investment screening and supply-chain conditions as obstacles for poorer countries.
Asia leads, others fall behind
Trade between China and the US has fallen by more than 20% since 2024, UNCTAD said. Nesvetailova said Asia will contribute 60% of global growth this year, with India among the fastest-growing economies. Most of the Global South is falling further behind, the agency said.
Sources: UN News · UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2026 · UNCTAD key statistics 2025
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