UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
@unctad.bsky.social
Official account of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). We work to ensure everyone benefits from the global economy. Website: https://unctad.org
Global value chains are shifting as firms move from cost-driven offshoring to risk management.
Diversification & nearshoring are creating new hubs, but may weigh on trade growth.
Developing economies can gain — others risk marginalisation.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/A66l50XY7Jy
Diversification & nearshoring are creating new hubs, but may weigh on trade growth.
Developing economies can gain — others risk marginalisation.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/A66l50XY7Jy
January 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Global value chains are shifting as firms move from cost-driven offshoring to risk management.
Diversification & nearshoring are creating new hubs, but may weigh on trade growth.
Developing economies can gain — others risk marginalisation.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/A66l50XY7Jy
Diversification & nearshoring are creating new hubs, but may weigh on trade growth.
Developing economies can gain — others risk marginalisation.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/A66l50XY7Jy
Today, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted a high-level discussion on the role of multilateral cooperation in protecting the ocean, organized by the Permanent Mission of Portugal and co-sponsored by Barbados, France, the Maldives and Vanuatu.
▶️ Find out more: ow.ly/SGoh50XY6CH
▶️ Find out more: ow.ly/SGoh50XY6CH
January 16, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Today, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted a high-level discussion on the role of multilateral cooperation in protecting the ocean, organized by the Permanent Mission of Portugal and co-sponsored by Barbados, France, the Maldives and Vanuatu.
▶️ Find out more: ow.ly/SGoh50XY6CH
▶️ Find out more: ow.ly/SGoh50XY6CH
The digital economy is driving global growth – but investment remains uneven.
Most cross-border digital investment goes to a few countries, widening the digital divide.
UNCTAD toolkit shows how well-designed policies can turn digital investment into shared progress.
▶️ https://ow.ly/LB8P50XXVLU
Most cross-border digital investment goes to a few countries, widening the digital divide.
UNCTAD toolkit shows how well-designed policies can turn digital investment into shared progress.
▶️ https://ow.ly/LB8P50XXVLU
January 16, 2026 at 1:46 PM
The digital economy is driving global growth – but investment remains uneven.
Most cross-border digital investment goes to a few countries, widening the digital divide.
UNCTAD toolkit shows how well-designed policies can turn digital investment into shared progress.
▶️ https://ow.ly/LB8P50XXVLU
Most cross-border digital investment goes to a few countries, widening the digital divide.
UNCTAD toolkit shows how well-designed policies can turn digital investment into shared progress.
▶️ https://ow.ly/LB8P50XXVLU
Global economic growth is projected to remain subdued at 2.6% in 2026, with developing economies excluding China slowing to 4.2%.
Developing countries will need stronger regional trade, diversification and digital integration to build resilience.
▶️ Global Trade Update: https://ow.ly/oh3c50XXelS
Developing countries will need stronger regional trade, diversification and digital integration to build resilience.
▶️ Global Trade Update: https://ow.ly/oh3c50XXelS
January 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Global economic growth is projected to remain subdued at 2.6% in 2026, with developing economies excluding China slowing to 4.2%.
Developing countries will need stronger regional trade, diversification and digital integration to build resilience.
▶️ Global Trade Update: https://ow.ly/oh3c50XXelS
Developing countries will need stronger regional trade, diversification and digital integration to build resilience.
▶️ Global Trade Update: https://ow.ly/oh3c50XXelS
🔟 Trends redefining global trade in 2026
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s latest Global Trade Update highlights how trade policy choices could either reinforce fragmentation or support more resilient and inclusive growth.
▶️ Read here: https://ow.ly/Sj8X50XXcVB
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s latest Global Trade Update highlights how trade policy choices could either reinforce fragmentation or support more resilient and inclusive growth.
▶️ Read here: https://ow.ly/Sj8X50XXcVB
January 15, 2026 at 1:42 PM
🔟 Trends redefining global trade in 2026
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s latest Global Trade Update highlights how trade policy choices could either reinforce fragmentation or support more resilient and inclusive growth.
▶️ Read here: https://ow.ly/Sj8X50XXcVB
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s latest Global Trade Update highlights how trade policy choices could either reinforce fragmentation or support more resilient and inclusive growth.
▶️ Read here: https://ow.ly/Sj8X50XXcVB
Across developing regions, external public debt sustainability worsened in 2024, except in Europe & Central Asia.
Sub-Saharan Africa saw the sharpest decline, with governments spending 18.7% of revenues on debt service – three times the level in 2014.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/hcG250XW5ff
Sub-Saharan Africa saw the sharpest decline, with governments spending 18.7% of revenues on debt service – three times the level in 2014.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/hcG250XW5ff
January 13, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Across developing regions, external public debt sustainability worsened in 2024, except in Europe & Central Asia.
Sub-Saharan Africa saw the sharpest decline, with governments spending 18.7% of revenues on debt service – three times the level in 2014.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/hcG250XW5ff
Sub-Saharan Africa saw the sharpest decline, with governments spending 18.7% of revenues on debt service – three times the level in 2014.
▶️ UNCTAD report: https://ow.ly/hcG250XW5ff
Over 60,000 people have already subscribed.
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/P3VQ50XNNq8
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/P3VQ50XNNq8
January 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Over 60,000 people have already subscribed.
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/P3VQ50XNNq8
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/P3VQ50XNNq8
E-commerce and digitally delivered services are among the fastest-growing segments of the global economy.
Explore UNCTAD’s new global database on e-commerce value – the first to consolidate national estimates – highlighting insights & remaining data gaps.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Zxc350XNMAJ
Explore UNCTAD’s new global database on e-commerce value – the first to consolidate national estimates – highlighting insights & remaining data gaps.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Zxc350XNMAJ
January 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM
E-commerce and digitally delivered services are among the fastest-growing segments of the global economy.
Explore UNCTAD’s new global database on e-commerce value – the first to consolidate national estimates – highlighting insights & remaining data gaps.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Zxc350XNMAJ
Explore UNCTAD’s new global database on e-commerce value – the first to consolidate national estimates – highlighting insights & remaining data gaps.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Zxc350XNMAJ
📣 🇺🇳 UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Academy of International Business (AIB) invite submissions of original papers on international investment and development.
Submit by 25 February 2026 for recognition, research collaboration, and a publication opportunity.
▶️ https://ow.ly/kNEo50XMwks
Submit by 25 February 2026 for recognition, research collaboration, and a publication opportunity.
▶️ https://ow.ly/kNEo50XMwks
January 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM
📣 🇺🇳 UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Academy of International Business (AIB) invite submissions of original papers on international investment and development.
Submit by 25 February 2026 for recognition, research collaboration, and a publication opportunity.
▶️ https://ow.ly/kNEo50XMwks
Submit by 25 February 2026 for recognition, research collaboration, and a publication opportunity.
▶️ https://ow.ly/kNEo50XMwks
AI market projected to hit $4.8 trillion by 2033.
AI’s rapid rise risks deepening divides, with development concentrated in major economies and firms.
Strategic investment and inclusive global governance are key to ensuring its benefits are widely shared.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Tauj50XLmvX
AI’s rapid rise risks deepening divides, with development concentrated in major economies and firms.
Strategic investment and inclusive global governance are key to ensuring its benefits are widely shared.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Tauj50XLmvX
January 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
AI market projected to hit $4.8 trillion by 2033.
AI’s rapid rise risks deepening divides, with development concentrated in major economies and firms.
Strategic investment and inclusive global governance are key to ensuring its benefits are widely shared.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Tauj50XLmvX
AI’s rapid rise risks deepening divides, with development concentrated in major economies and firms.
Strategic investment and inclusive global governance are key to ensuring its benefits are widely shared.
▶️ https://ow.ly/Tauj50XLmvX
What is holding back digital foreign investment?
Global investment in the digital economy grew +14%, but 10 countries captured 80% of new projects.
The gap: infrastructure, rules & skills.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/fOVL50XNk1Q
Global investment in the digital economy grew +14%, but 10 countries captured 80% of new projects.
The gap: infrastructure, rules & skills.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/fOVL50XNk1Q
January 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
What is holding back digital foreign investment?
Global investment in the digital economy grew +14%, but 10 countries captured 80% of new projects.
The gap: infrastructure, rules & skills.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/fOVL50XNk1Q
Global investment in the digital economy grew +14%, but 10 countries captured 80% of new projects.
The gap: infrastructure, rules & skills.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/fOVL50XNk1Q
The UN's new #WorldEconomyReport projects the global economy to grow at 2.7% in 2026 & 2.9% in 2027, despite high tariffs & uncertainty.
But beneath the headline figure lies an unequal, fragile world economy ill-equipped to deliver lasting progress. https://ow.ly/B7vQ50XTuRc
But beneath the headline figure lies an unequal, fragile world economy ill-equipped to deliver lasting progress. https://ow.ly/B7vQ50XTuRc
January 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM
The UN's new #WorldEconomyReport projects the global economy to grow at 2.7% in 2026 & 2.9% in 2027, despite high tariffs & uncertainty.
But beneath the headline figure lies an unequal, fragile world economy ill-equipped to deliver lasting progress. https://ow.ly/B7vQ50XTuRc
But beneath the headline figure lies an unequal, fragile world economy ill-equipped to deliver lasting progress. https://ow.ly/B7vQ50XTuRc
Who pays the price for rising shipping costs?
Seaborne trade is set to barely grow in 2025 – just +0.5% – as conflicts reroute ships and compliance costs rise.
Small island & the poorest economies face the steepest bills.
▶️ Explore UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport: https://ow.ly/TJFS50XNjv8
Seaborne trade is set to barely grow in 2025 – just +0.5% – as conflicts reroute ships and compliance costs rise.
Small island & the poorest economies face the steepest bills.
▶️ Explore UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport: https://ow.ly/TJFS50XNjv8
January 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Who pays the price for rising shipping costs?
Seaborne trade is set to barely grow in 2025 – just +0.5% – as conflicts reroute ships and compliance costs rise.
Small island & the poorest economies face the steepest bills.
▶️ Explore UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport: https://ow.ly/TJFS50XNjv8
Seaborne trade is set to barely grow in 2025 – just +0.5% – as conflicts reroute ships and compliance costs rise.
Small island & the poorest economies face the steepest bills.
▶️ Explore UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport: https://ow.ly/TJFS50XNjv8
Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing – but who really benefits?
By 2033, the AI market could reach $4.8 trillion.
Up to 40% of jobs could change, yet most developing countries lack strategies – and most countries lack a voice in rule-making.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/9RKw50XNNbR
By 2033, the AI market could reach $4.8 trillion.
Up to 40% of jobs could change, yet most developing countries lack strategies – and most countries lack a voice in rule-making.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/9RKw50XNNbR
January 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing – but who really benefits?
By 2033, the AI market could reach $4.8 trillion.
Up to 40% of jobs could change, yet most developing countries lack strategies – and most countries lack a voice in rule-making.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/9RKw50XNNbR
By 2033, the AI market could reach $4.8 trillion.
Up to 40% of jobs could change, yet most developing countries lack strategies – and most countries lack a voice in rule-making.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/9RKw50XNNbR
The least developed countries face a double diversification gap, across both products and markets. This leaves their export earnings more exposed to external shocks.
📊 Read the insight: https://ow.ly/OalE50XNa21
▶️ Get the data: https://ow.ly/c93z50XNa1I
📊 Read the insight: https://ow.ly/OalE50XNa21
▶️ Get the data: https://ow.ly/c93z50XNa1I
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The least developed countries face a double diversification gap, across both products and markets. This leaves their export earnings more exposed to external shocks.
📊 Read the insight: https://ow.ly/OalE50XNa21
▶️ Get the data: https://ow.ly/c93z50XNa1I
📊 Read the insight: https://ow.ly/OalE50XNa21
▶️ Get the data: https://ow.ly/c93z50XNa1I
🌍 What is Africa’s $3.4 trillion opportunity?
Intra-African trade is near 16%, but a continent-wide free trade area can unlock a $3.4trillion market – if countries invest, innovate and align the rules.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/x2mH50XNm5u
Intra-African trade is near 16%, but a continent-wide free trade area can unlock a $3.4trillion market – if countries invest, innovate and align the rules.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/x2mH50XNm5u
January 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
🌍 What is Africa’s $3.4 trillion opportunity?
Intra-African trade is near 16%, but a continent-wide free trade area can unlock a $3.4trillion market – if countries invest, innovate and align the rules.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/x2mH50XNm5u
Intra-African trade is near 16%, but a continent-wide free trade area can unlock a $3.4trillion market – if countries invest, innovate and align the rules.
▶️ Find out more: https://ow.ly/x2mH50XNm5u
AI is transforming entrepreneurship. What needs to happen next?
To translate AI into real business value, it’s crucial that entrepreneurs in developing countries get the support they need in terms of skills, finance and enabling ecosystems.
Full report ▶️ https://ow.ly/3qNV50XN3X3
To translate AI into real business value, it’s crucial that entrepreneurs in developing countries get the support they need in terms of skills, finance and enabling ecosystems.
Full report ▶️ https://ow.ly/3qNV50XN3X3
January 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
AI is transforming entrepreneurship. What needs to happen next?
To translate AI into real business value, it’s crucial that entrepreneurs in developing countries get the support they need in terms of skills, finance and enabling ecosystems.
Full report ▶️ https://ow.ly/3qNV50XN3X3
To translate AI into real business value, it’s crucial that entrepreneurs in developing countries get the support they need in terms of skills, finance and enabling ecosystems.
Full report ▶️ https://ow.ly/3qNV50XN3X3
Debt crisis: Developing countries’ external debt hits record $11.4 trillion – 99% of their export earnings.
Soaring interest payments are squeezing budgets, forcing governments to choose between repaying creditors and funding essential services.
▶️ https://ow.ly/AaXu50XLn9F
Soaring interest payments are squeezing budgets, forcing governments to choose between repaying creditors and funding essential services.
▶️ https://ow.ly/AaXu50XLn9F
January 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Debt crisis: Developing countries’ external debt hits record $11.4 trillion – 99% of their export earnings.
Soaring interest payments are squeezing budgets, forcing governments to choose between repaying creditors and funding essential services.
▶️ https://ow.ly/AaXu50XLn9F
Soaring interest payments are squeezing budgets, forcing governments to choose between repaying creditors and funding essential services.
▶️ https://ow.ly/AaXu50XLn9F
How are poverty and disability connected in Africa?
New UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) research examines this link across 27 African countries.
Reducing poverty means putting disability inclusion at the centre of national strategies.
▶️ Full publication: https://ow.ly/QxAh50XKpXG
New UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) research examines this link across 27 African countries.
Reducing poverty means putting disability inclusion at the centre of national strategies.
▶️ Full publication: https://ow.ly/QxAh50XKpXG
January 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM
How are poverty and disability connected in Africa?
New UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) research examines this link across 27 African countries.
Reducing poverty means putting disability inclusion at the centre of national strategies.
▶️ Full publication: https://ow.ly/QxAh50XKpXG
New UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) research examines this link across 27 African countries.
Reducing poverty means putting disability inclusion at the centre of national strategies.
▶️ Full publication: https://ow.ly/QxAh50XKpXG
For developing countries, the growing role of finance in trade brings real vulnerabilities.
When prices move on financial signals rather than real economic conditions, their companies & producers compete on a more uneven playing field.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ▶️ https://ow.ly/nAfu50XKo3w
When prices move on financial signals rather than real economic conditions, their companies & producers compete on a more uneven playing field.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ▶️ https://ow.ly/nAfu50XKo3w
January 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
For developing countries, the growing role of finance in trade brings real vulnerabilities.
When prices move on financial signals rather than real economic conditions, their companies & producers compete on a more uneven playing field.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ▶️ https://ow.ly/nAfu50XKo3w
When prices move on financial signals rather than real economic conditions, their companies & producers compete on a more uneven playing field.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ▶️ https://ow.ly/nAfu50XKo3w
UNCTAD is recruiting a Chief for the Trading System, Services and Creative Economy Branch, based in Geneva.
This senior role leads UNCTAD’s work on the international trading system, trade negotiations, and the participation of developing countries in global markets.
▶️ https://ow.ly/HpJu50XJNSO
This senior role leads UNCTAD’s work on the international trading system, trade negotiations, and the participation of developing countries in global markets.
▶️ https://ow.ly/HpJu50XJNSO
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
UNCTAD is recruiting a Chief for the Trading System, Services and Creative Economy Branch, based in Geneva.
This senior role leads UNCTAD’s work on the international trading system, trade negotiations, and the participation of developing countries in global markets.
▶️ https://ow.ly/HpJu50XJNSO
This senior role leads UNCTAD’s work on the international trading system, trade negotiations, and the participation of developing countries in global markets.
▶️ https://ow.ly/HpJu50XJNSO
🌍 Founded in 1964, UNCTAD is the UN’ leading body on trade and development.
We work with 195 countries to turn trade, finance, investment & the digital economy into engines of inclusive & sustainable growth – through expert analysis, technical support & global dialogue.
▶️ https://ow.ly/4jMw50XNfUA
We work with 195 countries to turn trade, finance, investment & the digital economy into engines of inclusive & sustainable growth – through expert analysis, technical support & global dialogue.
▶️ https://ow.ly/4jMw50XNfUA
January 1, 2026 at 6:02 AM
🌍 Founded in 1964, UNCTAD is the UN’ leading body on trade and development.
We work with 195 countries to turn trade, finance, investment & the digital economy into engines of inclusive & sustainable growth – through expert analysis, technical support & global dialogue.
▶️ https://ow.ly/4jMw50XNfUA
We work with 195 countries to turn trade, finance, investment & the digital economy into engines of inclusive & sustainable growth – through expert analysis, technical support & global dialogue.
▶️ https://ow.ly/4jMw50XNfUA
Over 60,000 people have already subscribed.
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/aXmC50XNNoH
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/aXmC50XNNoH
December 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Over 60,000 people have already subscribed.
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/aXmC50XNNoH
Have you?
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) #Insights newsletter – all you need to know on global trade, the economy and development.
▶️ https://ow.ly/aXmC50XNNoH
#YearInReview
#UNCTAD16 concluded with record participation of 170 countries, an agreed declaration on trade & development.
EN https://ow.ly/wImB50XNNEw
ES https://ow.ly/wZtu50XNNAj
FR https://ow.ly/qjVp50XNNAp
AR https://ow.ly/VyhL50XNNAg
CH https://ow.ly/m6wS50XNNAh
RU https://ow.ly/m9NY50XNNAi
#UNCTAD16 concluded with record participation of 170 countries, an agreed declaration on trade & development.
EN https://ow.ly/wImB50XNNEw
ES https://ow.ly/wZtu50XNNAj
FR https://ow.ly/qjVp50XNNAp
AR https://ow.ly/VyhL50XNNAg
CH https://ow.ly/m6wS50XNNAh
RU https://ow.ly/m9NY50XNNAi
December 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
#YearInReview
#UNCTAD16 concluded with record participation of 170 countries, an agreed declaration on trade & development.
EN https://ow.ly/wImB50XNNEw
ES https://ow.ly/wZtu50XNNAj
FR https://ow.ly/qjVp50XNNAp
AR https://ow.ly/VyhL50XNNAg
CH https://ow.ly/m6wS50XNNAh
RU https://ow.ly/m9NY50XNNAi
#UNCTAD16 concluded with record participation of 170 countries, an agreed declaration on trade & development.
EN https://ow.ly/wImB50XNNEw
ES https://ow.ly/wZtu50XNNAj
FR https://ow.ly/qjVp50XNNAp
AR https://ow.ly/VyhL50XNNAg
CH https://ow.ly/m6wS50XNNAh
RU https://ow.ly/m9NY50XNNAi
🌍 From record trade flows and rapid advances in artificial intelligence to slowing investment and mounting debt pressures, 2025 sent strong & often contradictory signals about the state of the global economy.
UNCTAD’s most-read stories ▶️ https://ow.ly/QE0G50XLGgg
#YearInReview
UNCTAD’s most-read stories ▶️ https://ow.ly/QE0G50XLGgg
#YearInReview
December 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🌍 From record trade flows and rapid advances in artificial intelligence to slowing investment and mounting debt pressures, 2025 sent strong & often contradictory signals about the state of the global economy.
UNCTAD’s most-read stories ▶️ https://ow.ly/QE0G50XLGgg
#YearInReview
UNCTAD’s most-read stories ▶️ https://ow.ly/QE0G50XLGgg
#YearInReview