Data stories | UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Analysis of global trade and development trends through graphs, maps and charts.

Our data stories break down complex trends shaping the global economy and its future. They unpack the numbers behind the issues that matter, delivering clear analysis to guide decisions.

Downtown, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Eastern and Southern Africa: Foreign investment surged to record highs

The region attracted a record $65 billion in foreign investment in 2024. To keep up the momentum, more efforts are needed for economic integration, diversification and resilience.

A graph showing that global growth shows no signs of picking up in the near term

Global growth expected to slow to 2.6% through 2026

Graph showing that world trade and the global financial cycle move in sync

Over 90% of global trade now depends on finance, deepening vulnerabilities

A graph showing Gaza's GDP per capita plummeted to $161 in 2024, among the lowest in the world

Gaza’s economy collapsed 83% in 2024, pushing all 2.3 million people into poverty

Global heating pushes temperatures into danger zone

GDP and CO2 emissions: Record temperatures heighten urgency to break the link

Foreign direct investment explorer

Explore global investment data and changing trends

Graph showing tariff hikes per sector if the US-Africa trade deal ends

AGOA expiry impact on African export diversification

A graph showing how tariffs on African imports could change in the US

Tariffs, trade and preferences: What if AGOA ends?

Graph showing maritime trade volume growth from 2000 to 2025

Maritime trade under pressure – growth set to stall in 2025

Graph showing US tariffs on vulnerable economies vs. their tariffs on the US

A tectonic shift in tariff policy

A graph showing how trade policy uncertainty and global economic uncertainty are rising together

Trade policy shifts are fuelling global uncertainties

A pie chart showing that developing countries in Asia attract a third of global investment in digital services

Global investment in the digital economy surges but remains uneven

Graph showing global trade values in plastics

Ending plastic pollution: Why trade matters

Countries facing acute food insecurity often depend on imports

How trade helps fight hunger and prevent famine

Commodity dependence by dominant export product group

Commodity dependence runs deep. Change is needed, and possible

Graph showing global trade in goods and services from 2019 through 2025 first quarter

Global trade grew $300 billion in the first half of 2025, led by US imports and EU exports

A pie chart showing a few companies dominate the generative AI market

Highly concentrated digital markets put consumers at risk

Grapsh showing global public debt in trillions of dollars, by region, 2010–2024

Global public debt hit a record $102 trillion in 2024, striking developing countries hardest

Graph showing trends for greenfield investments and FDI for international projects

Foreign investment slump threatens global development prospects

More data stories

UNCTAD Data Hub

Access all UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) statistics and databases. Explore and download the latest official statistics, gain deeper insight through graphs and key messages, see nowcasts for global trade and the world economy, compare countries across key themes and read our latest statistical publications.

Explore UNCTAD Data Hub

The gateway to our data resources

UNCTADstat data centre
The source for UNCTAD statistics
Data insights
Trends revealed by UNCTAD statistics
Nowcasts
Fast estimates for trade and GDP
Country profiles
A snapshot of nations in numbers
Other databases
Comprehensive data for global trade, investment and sustainable development