Global trade is staging a comeback! The World Trade Organization (WTO) just dropped its 2024 forecast, predicting a 2.6% rebound in merchandise trade this year—with even bigger gains expected in 2025. After a 1.2% dip in 2023 due to inflation and energy price shocks, things are looking up as inflation cools and wallets recover.
Trade Trends to Watch: – Africa’s exports are set to skyrocket by 5.3% this year, outpacing all regions – Asia and Africa will drive demand with import growth of 5.6% and 4.4%, respectively – Supply chains are flexing their resilience (think *Taylor Swift tour-level stamina* ), but shipping hiccups in the Suez and Panama Canals remain wild cards
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called the rebound a win for “resilient supply chains and global cooperation.” But she warned: “Geopolitical drama and trade fragmentation could still rain on this parade.”
Auto parts, fertilizers, and retail sectors are already feeling the sting of Red Sea delays and rising freight costs. Still, the WTO insists there’s no full-blown “de-globalization era” yet—just some cautious reshuffling by governments.
TL;DR: Trade’s bouncing back, but keep an eye on those shipping lanes and TikTok-trending supply chains!
After a 1.2% dip in 2023 due to inflation and energy price shocks, things are looking up as inflation cools and wallets recover.
Trade Trends to Watch:
), but shipping hiccups in the Suez and Panama Canals remain wild cards 
TL;DR: Trade’s bouncing back, but keep an eye on those shipping lanes and TikTok-trending supply chains!
