Geneva, September 09 (QNA) - The global merchandise trade has continued to gain momentum and recover since June, fueled by a surge in demand for the technology sector, The World Trade Organization (WTO) said in its latest report Wednesday.
WTO added that this resilience underscores the ability of international merchandise flows to withstand heightened risks stemming from trade protectionism and acute geopolitical disruptions.
According to the Goods Trade Barometer -a composite leading indicator released four times a year to provide an early indication of the trajectory of trade two to three months before official statistics are released - the September reading stood at 102.0 points, improving from the previous reading of 101.7 points recorded in June, the report continued. 
Readings above the 100-point threshold, or baseline, indicate that merchandise trade volumes are growing at a faster pace than their usual rates calculated over recent decades, it added.
The Geneva-based organization explained that continued investment and strong global demand for electronic components and semiconductors linked to artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure have served as counterweights, helping offset and mitigate the fallout of the current tensions.
Overall, WTO forecast in March that global merchandise trade volume would slow markedly, growing by just 1.9% this year, compared with strong growth of 4.6% in 2025.
The organization again warned that the outlook remains clouded by uncertainty, with growth potentially falling to 1.4% under a scenario of persistently high energy prices, particularly amid the ongoing war and military tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as severe disruptions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.
  In addition, protectionist trade policies are casting a shadow over supply chains following President Donald Trump's imposition of wide-ranging tariffs on major US trading partners.
Lastly, WTO stressed that trade growth remains uneven across regions, warning that persistently higher maritime transport costs and shipping rerouting will continue to overwhelm global supply chains through the remainder of the year. (QNA)