Trade analysis

We monitor trends and provide evidence-based analysis to make international trade an engine for sustainable development.

Non-tariff measures (NTMs)

Data, Statistics and Trends in International Trade

Services, Trade and Development

Creative Economy Programme

Trade and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Capacity building for trade policy analysis

Trade policy for sustainable and inclusive development

Voluntary Sustainability Standards

News

Graph showing global trade in goods and services from 2019 through 2025 first quarter

Global trade grew $300 billion in the first half of 2025, led by US imports and EU exports

But persistent policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and signs of slowing global growth pose risks for trade in the second half of the year.

8 Jul 2025

High capital requirements, reliance on data and computing power are among the most common barriers to entry in digital markets.

Highly concentrated digital markets put consumers at risk. Here’s how to change course

Stronger competition enforcement, along with more upskilling and better infrastructure and support for start-ups are vital to ensuring the digital boom benefits all.

8 Jul 2025

UNCTAD launches Insights – trusted data and analysis straight to your inbox

Subscribe to get UN Trade and Development expert insight on today’s most pressing issues in a fast-moving global economic landscape.

20 Jun 2025

Aerial drone photo of large fish farming unit of sea bass

A rising tide, but growing risks: Ocean economy faces pressure and fragmentation

From food and energy to transport and innovation, the $2.2 trillion ocean economy anchors global prosperity. But climate shocks, policy fragmentation and shifting trade dynamics threaten its future.

4 Jun 2025

More news

Featured Podcast

The future of trade: Finding balance in a fragmented world

In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, Luz María de la Mora, Director of UNCTAD’s Trade Division, looks into the complex realities behind today’s trade debates.

View all podcasts

Global Trade Update

This monthly publication provides insight on key trends in world trade. It presents up-to-date analysis on the evolution of imports and exports for different regions and economic sectors and examines current and emerging trade policy issues and their impact on economic development in a fast-changing global trade context.

World Tariff Profiles

Jointly produced by the WTO, UNCTAD and the International Trade Centre, this annual report provides comprehensive information on the tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories.