Global trade grows by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter in January-March



05/25/2026 10:43 AM


According to a report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (CPB) of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, global trade volumes rose by 3.5% from the previous quarter in the first quarter of 2026, despite military activities in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.



The report indicates that the expansion of international trade was primarily fueled by the AI industry. An increase in investment in computing capabilities and related infrastructure resulted in a rise in global shipments of servers and semiconductor products, mostly produced in Asia.

As per CPB, Japan's exports increased by 3% from the previous quarter in January-March, whereas China's exports rose by 11.3%. Simultaneously, imports of goods into the US rose by 6.3% during that timeframe.

The UN predicts that worldwide trade will expand by 1.5-2.5% this year, after a 4.7% rise in 2025. The World Trade Organization thinks that growth might hit 3% if the AI boom exceeds expectations.

source: reuters.com

 


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