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World trade: the WTO barometer stays above 100

The WTO Goods Trade Barometer stood at 102.0 in September 2026, up from 101.7 in June: trade is holding up despite headwinds.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) published its Goods Trade Barometer on 9 September 2026. At 102.0, it stands above its baseline of 100 and slightly above the June reading (101.7). The WTO sees this as a sign of resilient trade growth despite headwinds.

Electronic components show the highest index (104.9), ahead of export orders (103.5) and international air freight (102.8). Only container shipping falls below 100 (99.6). The WTO recalls its March 2026 forecast: merchandise trade volume growth of 1.9% in 2026 in its baseline scenario.

WTO barometer components — September 2026 (baseline: 100)
Electronic components
104.9 points
Export orders
103.5 points
International air freight
102.8 points
Agricultural raw materials
102.6 points
Automotive products
101.5 points
Container shipping
99.6 points

Source: WTO — Goods Trade Barometer

Key figures

IndicatorValueReference period
Goods Trade Barometer102.0 pointsSeptember 2026 (101.7 in June 2026)
Electronic components104.9 pointsSeptember 2026
Export orders103.5 pointsSeptember 2026
Container shipping99.6 pointsSeptember 2026 — only index below 100

Outlook, limits and risks

The barometer is a short-term leading indicator, not a numerical forecast. In the WTO high-energy-price scenario, merchandise trade growth would fall to 1.4% in 2026.

Source

Original summary written from the sources cited. It is neither investment advice nor an offer. Figures and forecasts belong to their authors and may be revised.

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