UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Latin America, endowed with a rich renewable energy matrix and abundant critical minerals, is well positioned to embark on a green transition. Sowing the seeds for a greener future, however, requires its economies to view the energy transition not just as carbon mitigation but also as a means to overcome barriers to green economic transformation. This UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) brief highlights the importance of industrial policy and regional integration in leveraging complementarities. Full publication: https://ow.ly/rCHL50Viwg3

Global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, expanding 3.7% ($1.2 trillion), according to the latest Global Trade Update by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which warns that while trade remains strong, uncertainty looms in 2025. Services drove growth, rising 9% for the year and adding $700 billion – nearly 60% of the total growth. Trade in goods grew 2%, contributing $500 billion. Most regions saw positive growth, except for Europe and Central Asia. Growth varied by industry – agri-food, communication technology and transport saw gains, while energy, apparel and extractives slowed due to weaker demand and policy shifts. However, momentum slowed in the second half of the year. In the fourth quarter, trade in goods grew by less than 0.5%, and services edged up just 1%. Full data story & report: https://ow.ly/B6vp50VinZv

While public debt is a critical tool for development, rising debt-service costs are straining government budgets, leaving little room for essential investments. Today, many developing countries are sinking into a debt-driven development crisis, with their external debt hitting a record $11.4 trillion in 2023 – 99% of their export earnings. The 14th International Debt Management Conference, set for 17 to 19 March in Geneva, will analyze the key drivers behind today’s debt crisis and explore ways to strengthen resilience and risk management. It will also help shape the global agenda on financing for development – of which debt is a critical element – ahead of the UN-led #FfD4 conference in mid-2025. Full story ▶️ https://ow.ly/iC2050ViccJ Register here ▶️ https://ow.ly/HF2U50Vgtgm

We're celebrating 40 years of consumer protection! 🛍️🌍   Fernando Blanco Muiño, Undersecretary of Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, shares his insights on how the UN Consumer Protection Guidelines have been implemented in Argentina.   On World Consumer Rights Day, we celebrate the power of informed consumers and fair markets.   The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection serve as a global model, upholding the rights to safety, choice, and fair treatment — driving the consumer protection movement toward a more just and sustainable world.   🔗 Find out more: https://ow.ly/bOvv50VivWJ   #ConsumerProtection #UNGCP40

New from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD): The Manual for the Framework to Measure South–South Cooperation empowers countries across the Global South to collect and analyze their own data on South-South cooperation. Data is essential for enabling countries to shape their development paths and strategically manage mutual support flows. More than just tracking past efforts, these data serve as a valuable tool for aligning cooperation with national priorities, real-world challenges, and global commitments — especially the #GlobalGoals. This UN framework — developed by the South, for the South — is key for discussions at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. #FfD4 🔗 Read the full publication: https://ow.ly/P9eR50Vi8bv

Governments are grappling with soaring debt costs that are squeezing public finances and stalling development. As the world heads toward the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development #FfD4, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s biennial debt conference will set the stage for urgent solutions. The 14th International Debt Management Conference, set for 17 to 19 March in Geneva, will be a platform to discuss and share experiences on critical developments and challenges facing developing countries, when it comes to managing public debt in the current global economic context. It will gather governments, senior debt managers, academia, businesses, civil society and international organizations, to tackle one of the biggest economic challenges of our time: how to manage public debt without stalling development. Full story ▶️ https://ow.ly/LQQ050Viceq Register here ▶️ https://ow.ly/HF2U50Vgtgm

Global trade reached a record $33 trillion last year, but uncertainty clouds the outlook ahead.   UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Global Trade Update – now a monthly publication analysing trade policy and global trade data – examines tariffs and their impact on global trade in its March 2025 edition.   Tariffs are an important trade policy tool, serving as a mechanism to protect domestic industries and generate government revenue.   However, high import duties can increase costs for businesses and consumers, potentially stifling economic growth and competitiveness.   The report also provides new trade data and projections across regions, industries and sectors, covering 2024 and early 2025.   🔗 Full report: https://ow.ly/SVi750VhZ7c

Global trade started 2025 on stable ground, but challenges are mounting. The latest Global Trade Update by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), covering data through early March, signals a shifting landscape. In 2024, world trade saw record expansion to $33 trillion in 2024 – up 3.7% from 2023 – driven by developing economies and strong services trade. But looking ahead, new risks loom, including trade imbalances, evolving policies, and geopolitical tensions. Full story & report ▶️ https://ow.ly/rKz050Vi6Eh

Honoured to be in Baku for the 12th #GlobalBakuForum, for meaningful debate on global challenges, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. Grateful specially to President Ilham Aliyev for his warm welcome and support for UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) which strengthens the path towards sustainable development. Grateful also to Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the people of Azerbaijan for their commitment to multilateralism.

Global trade reached a record $33 trillion last year, but uncertainty clouds the outlook ahead. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Global Trade Update is now a monthly publication analysing trade policy and global trade data. Key highlights: ▶️ Tariffs remain a key tool in trade policy, but developing countries face higher duties, limiting their access to global markets. ▶️ High import tariffs increase costs for businesses and consumers, potentially restricting growth and competitiveness. ▶️ Tariff escalation discourages developing economies from exporting value-added goods, hindering industrialization. ▶️ Understanding tariff trends is crucial for designing policies that promote economic transformation and sustainable growth. 🔗 Full publication: https://ow.ly/ATsb50VhZ78