Global trade grew by about 500 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2025 compared with a year earlier, according to a new global trade report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Thursday.
The growth was mainly driven by expanding trade among developing countries and a rebound in manufacturing exports.
The report said that if no major shocks occur in the second half of the year, global trade in 2025 could surpass the 2024 record. China's exports remained resilient in the first half of 2025, with particularly strong performance in electronics and green transport sectors, the report noted.
It also added that China's efforts to diversify its export markets and strengthen economic ties with developing nations, especially those participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, have helped stabilize its foreign trade amid global fluctuations.
The UNCTAD expects global merchandise trade to grow by about 2.5 percent quarter on quarter in the third quarter, while services trade could expand by nearly four percent.
The report said China's manufacturing and export strengths, along with its flexible trade policies, will continue to play a key role in sustaining global trade growth.
Global trade up by 500 bln USD, China's exports remain resilient in H1: UNCTAD
