WTO cuts 2026 global merchandise trade growth forecast to 1.8 pct on higher U.S. tariffs

GENEVA, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday lowered its forecast for global merchandise trade growth in 2026 to 1.8 percent from the previous estimate of 2.5 percent due to higher tariffs.

In its latest trade forecast update, the WTO said recent tariff changes are expected to have an overall negative impact on the outlook for global trade.