📈 Global Goods Trade Gains Momentum Amid AI Demand

• Overall Figures: The WTO Goods Trade Barometer rose to 102.0 (up from 101.7 in June), signaling above-trend growth in global merchandise trade despite ongoing geopolitical and trade policy uncertainties. • Sector Breakdown & Drivers: - Electronic Components: Highest reading at 104.9, driven by strong global demand for ICT/AI-enabling goods. - Export Orders: Rose to 103.5, indicating strong short-term growth ahead. - Air Freight: Reached 102.8, reflecting solid logistics activity. - Agricultural Raw Materials: Climebd to 102.6, relevant for global agricultural supply chains including tea and raw commodities. - Automotive Products: Modest growth at 101.5. - Container Shipping: Slightly below trend at 99.6. • Global Forecast & Outlook: - World merchandise trade volume growth is forecast at 1.9% for 2026 under the baseline scenario, and 1.4% under a high-energy-price scenario. - Sustained investment in AI technology could add 0.5 percentage points to overall trade growth. - Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz present headwinds, with full Q2 impact to be reflected in upcoming provisional data.