GenevaThe World Trade Organisation doubled its 2026 goods-trade forecast.
AI-enabling goods made up 47% of merchandise trade growth in value, the organisation said.
Pakistan’s sea freight exports rose 73% in the first half as its operators absorbed traffic diverted from Hormuz.
Mediterranean Shipping Company added a $500 per container congestion surcharge on Northern Europe to South Asia cargo in July.
The organisation ties its 4.1% forecast for 2027 to a timely end of the Middle East conflict.
How each outlet framed it
- Dawn leans favorable
- raises 2026 forecast to 3.9% (from 1.9%) citing AI boom; Middle East disruption boosts Pakistan sea freight exports by 73% year-on-year
Sources: Dawn