AI boom shields global trade from West Asia war

A massive global appetite for artificial intelligence (AI) technology has kept world commerce afloat, effectively shielding the global economy from severe trade disruptions triggered by escalating conflict in West Asia, according to joint estimates by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Global merchandise trade volume grew 3.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, expanding 1.9% over the previous quarter. In value terms, world trade surged 11% year-on-year, driven primarily by a 40% explosion in trade of AI-enabling goods and electronic components.