According to the latest annual report from the Executive Director of the World Trade Organization (WTO), published on Tuesday, 2.640 billion dollars worth of imports were affected by new tariffs and various restrictive measures between mid-October 2024 and mid-October 2025. That accounts for 11.1% of global import trade, or more than four times the amount recorded in the previous fiscal year. By integrating the measures targeting exports, the total volume of trade affected reached 2,966 billion dollars, up from 888 billion a year earlier.

Despite this protectionist push, the WTO stresses that its members have also implemented 331 trade facilitation measures on the period, covering 2.090 billion dollars in trade, an increasing level sensitive compared to last year. For Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director In general, these data confirm a “marked increase” in restrictions, with 19.7% of global imports now subject to measures introduced since 2009, compared to 12.6% previously. However, she notes that the members continue to “favor dialogue” over escalation, which testifies to their desire to maintain the fluidity of exchanges.

The Organization's economists also anticipate a growth in global merchandise trade of 2.4% in 2025, followed from a slowdown to 0.5% in 2026. This development would be supported by a strong demand for goods related to artificial intelligence as well as by the strength of developing economies.

In the field of trade defence instruments, members opened an average of 32.3 investigations per month, a level close to 2024 summit. Case closings, limited to 11.4 per month, include among the lowest since 2012, indicating the persistence of many measures in force. Anti-dumping procedures remain predominant and account for 46.5% of the actions identified.

Regarding services, 124 new measures were adopted, mainly focusing on trade facilitation and modernization of regulatory frameworks. The members also strengthened their economic support systems, in particular in energy, agriculture and the environment. Finally, the report recalls that the committees of The WTO remain an essential space to address concerns trade and prevent the escalation of tensions.