Global trade is projected to end the year 5% lower compared to 2022's record level, shrinking by about US$1.5 trillion to below US$31 trillion, according to UNCTAD’s latest Global Trade Update.

The outlook for 2024 also remains “highly uncertain and generally pessimistic,” UNCTAD says in the Global Trade Update released, citing factors like ongoing geopolitical tensions, escalating debt, and widespread economic fragility.

Other elements weighing on trade include lower demand in developed countries, less trade in East Asia, an uptick in trade-restrictive measures, commodity price volatility and lengthening supply chains, particularly between China and the United States.

However, the report notes a few positive trends in 2023.

These include a slight increase in trade volumes, suggesting resilient global demand for imports, and a US$500 billion increase in trade in services.

UNCTAD — the United Nations (UN) body dealing with trade and development — said the sector grew by 7% in 2023 thanks in part to a delayed COVID-19 recovery.

Also, some developing economies, particularly Mexico and East Asian countries, have had opportunities to better integrate the supply chains affected by geopolitical concerns.

Friend-shoring is a growing trend

The report shows that global trade patterns are increasingly influenced by geopolitics, with countries showing preferences for politically aligned trade partners, a trend termed "friend-shoring".
 

UNCTAD noted that the trend has become more pronounced since late 2022.

Meanwhile, the geographical proximity in international trade — nearshoring or far-shoring — has remained relatively stable.

The report also highlights a marked increase in trade concentration.

“There has been an overall decrease in the diversification of trade partners, indicating a concentration of global trade within major trade relationships.”

Trade-restrictive measures on the rise

The Global Trade Update notes a significant uptick in 2023 in trade-restrictive measures, especially non-tariff measures (NTMs).

It says the increase is driven by a resurgence of industrial policies and the pressing need for countries to fulfil climate commitments. These factors have prompted countries to favour policies that support domestic industries and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

Another recent UNCTAD report, Trade Regulations for Climate Action, identified 2,366 climate change-related NTMs affecting 3.5% of all potentially tradable goods and covering 26.4% of global trade.

“These inward-looking policies are anticipated to impede the growth of international trade,” the Global Trade Update says.

A mixed picture of the main sectors

UNCTAD’s latest update on global trade presents a mixed picture across economic sectors.

The report shows a decline in 2023 for office and communication equipment (-17), textiles (-13%) and apparel (-11%).

In contrast, sectors like road vehicles and transport equipment have seen growth rates of 13% and 25%, respectively. However, the positive yearly trend in these sectors took a downturn in the third quarter of 2023.

“Looking to 2024, the commodities sector faces continued uncertainty due to persistent regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions,” UNCTAD said in its report.

It added that the growing need to secure critical minerals, vital for the energy transition is expected to add to volatility in these markets.