AI trade boom offsets Middle East conflict
AI Summary
Global merchandise trade outperformed expectations in Q1 2026, buoyed by strong demand for AI-related technologies, offsetting disruptions from the Middle East conflict. The WTO notes that world goods trade showed resilience despite ongoing regional conflict tensions.
Global merchandise trade delivered a stronger-than-expected performance in the first quarter of 2026, with surging demand for artificial intelligence-related technologies helping to offset the growing disruption caused by the war in the Middle East, according to a analysis from the World Trade Organization. The WTO said that world goods trade remained remarkably resilient despite mounting ...