Trade analysis

We monitor trends and provide evidence-based analysis to make international trade an engine for sustainable development.

Non-tariff measures (NTMs)

Data, Statistics and Trends in International Trade

Text-as-Data Analysis of Trade Agreements

Trade and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Capacity building for trade policy analysis

Creative Economy Programme

Global trade update

This quarterly report provides insight on key trends in world trade. It provides up-to-date analysis on the evolution of imports and exports for different regions and economic sectors, and provides short-term forecasts.

World Tariff Profiles

Jointly produced by the WTO, UNCTAD and the International Trade Centre, this annual report provides comprehensive information on the tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories.

World Economic Situation and Prospects

Jointly produced by DESA, UNCTAD and the five UN Regional Commissions, the publication provides an overview of recent global economic performance and short-term prospects for the world economy and of some key global economic policy and development issues.

Policy Issues in International Trade and Commodities

Study series on emerging issues in international trade. A particular focus is placed on market access conditions facing developing countries, such as tariff barriers, preferential tariffs, and impact of non-tariff measures.

News

Singer sings song in studio from cellphone lyrics

Creative economy to have its year in the sun in 2021

Here’s why the UN has dedicated a whole year to the creative economy and its critical role in promoting sustainable development, especially in a post-coronavirus world.

13 Jan 2021

Transforming trade, backing productive capacities is key to fixing global economy

UNCTAD Secretary-General sets down roadmap for health, productivity, prosperity and fixing a fractured global economy scarred by the coronavirus pandemic ahead of its October 2021 quadrennial conference in Barbados.

17 Dec 2020

A woman wearing a facemask in an airport

Services sector vital to COVID-19 economic recovery

By Bruno Antunes, Economist, UNCTAD

6 Nov 2020

Global trade shows frail recovery in third quarter, but outlook remains uncertain

UNCTAD estimates show a 5% drop in world trade in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, an improvement from the 19% decline in the second quarter but insufficient to pull trade out of the red.

21 Oct 2020