World Trade Organization (WTO)
The intergovernmental organisation that sets and enforces the rules of global trade. Its economists publish the official forecasts of world goods and services trade, with the risks to the outlook.
At a glance
- Entity level
- Organisation
- Type
- Intergovernmental body
- Also known as
- WTO Global Trade Outlook and Statistics
- Flagship output
- Global Trade Outlook and Statistics (latest: October 2026 update, 8 October 2026)
- Category
- Systemic & global risk reports
- Also covers
- Macro-economic forecasting
- Tier
- Tier 1: Official global trade forecasts, revised twice yearly and covered by worldwide media.
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Coverage
- World merchandise and services trade volumes, regional trade, drivers and downside risks
- Public access
- Free
- Latest activity seen
- 8 Oct 2026
- Evidence
- Active in 2025 to 26
How it produces intelligence
WTO secretariat economists' trade model forecasts, revised in spring and autumn using trade statistics and GDP assumptions.
Risk themes
Focus regions
Leadership
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General
Links
What it publishes
| Output | Type | Cadence | Latest edition | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Trade Outlook and Statistics | Forecast platform | Biannual | October 2026 update | 8 Oct 2026 | Read report |
| Global Trade Outlook 2026 (spring edition) | Annual outlook | Annual | Global Trade Outlook 2026 | Mar 2026 | Read report |
Latest findings
Recent public risk calls by World Trade Organization (WTO), summarised in our own words. They are its views, not 311's. Follow each source for the original.
World merchandise trade volume forecast for 2026 raised to 3.9% growth from 1.9% in March, with 4.1% expected in 2027.
8 Oct 2026 · Horizon: 2026 to 2027 · Source: WTO raises 2026 global trade growth forecast to 3.9% despite Middle East warServices trade growth for 2026 cut to 3.3% from 4.8% as travel and transport were disrupted, rebounding to 6.4% in 2027.
8 Oct 2026 · Horizon: 2026 to 2027 · Source: WTO raises 2026 global trade growth forecast to 3.9% despite Middle East warHeavy AI infrastructure spending on chips and servers is the main driver of goods trade, with AI investment seen rising at least 30% in 2026.
8 Oct 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: WTO raises 2026 global trade growth forecast to 3.9% despite Middle East warMiddle East war cut the region's crude exports about a quarter and LNG by almost half in H1 2026, though other suppliers limited global falls.
8 Oct 2026 · Horizon: H1 2026 · Source: WTO raises 2026 global trade growth forecast to 3.9% despite Middle East war
Organisations doing similar work
Questions about World Trade Organization (WTO)
What is World Trade Organization (WTO)?
The intergovernmental organisation that sets and enforces the rules of global trade. Its economists publish the official forecasts of world goods and services trade, with the risks to the outlook.
How does World Trade Organization (WTO) produce its intelligence?
WTO secretariat economists' trade model forecasts, revised in spring and autumn using trade statistics and GDP assumptions.
Where is World Trade Organization (WTO) based?
World Trade Organization (WTO) is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
What does World Trade Organization (WTO) cover?
Its work covers trade & supply chains, macroeconomy, geopolitics, technology & ai, energy & commodities, with a focus on Global.
Profile compiled by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit from public sources. Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Listing is not a ranking or an endorsement. Evidence source. Is this your organisation? Request a correction.