World trade growth is set to slow to 1.9% this year, from 4.6% in 2025, according to a World Trade Organization report. This could further decrease if the Middle East war continues to escalate energy prices and disrupt global transport. The report also noted that a surge in artificial intelligence-related trade and goods front-loading to avoid U.S. tariffs enabled a better-than-expected growth performance. If oil and liquefied natural gas prices continue to rise throughout 2026 due to the conflict, global trade in goods could slow further. The continued strength of investment in the sector is a key question for 2026 and beyond, the report stated.