Mumbai, Oct. 13 -- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has stated that global trade expanded by about $500 billion in the first half of 2025, despite volatility, policy shifts and persistent geopolitical tensions. Momentum remained strong into the third quarter, even as growth patterns varied across regions and sectors. Barring major shocks in the final months of the year, global trade is on track to surpass its 2024 record. Trade in both goods and services recorded solid gains compared with the first quarter. Goods trade growth edged up from about 2% to 2.5% quarter over quarter, while services trade rebounded after contracting in the first quarter.
Manufacturing remained the main driver of global trade growth in t...