Global Trade Advances Despite Tariffs: Contributions from Developing Countries and Electric Vehicles

Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:

Global trade has shown spectacular growth of over half a trillion dollars in the first half of 2025, according to the latest report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This increase is largely attributed to developing economies, which have driven a boom in what is termed “South-South” trade. In contrast, U.S. imports have shown weakness, affecting the global average.

The report indicates that both goods and services trade have recorded significant advancements. Specifically, goods trade increased by 2.5% compared to the previous quarter, and an additional growth of 4% is anticipated in the services sector for the third quarter. This upward trend has been solidified thanks to the vital role played by developing economies.

Sustained growth is evident, for example, in the 6% increase in imports from these countries during the second quarter, marking a clear contrast to the stagnation observed in developed nations. The manufacturing sector, particularly in electronics, continues to be the engine of growth, with the automotive industry standing out due to the dynamism of hybrid and electric vehicles, which have seen quarter-over-quarter increases of up to 17%.

However, the report also warns of risk factors that could threaten this recovery, such as uncertainty in U.S. trade policy, geopolitical tensions, and the return of protectionist measures. Despite these concerns, UNCTAD highlights the resilience of the multilateral system and the commitment of developing economies to open trade.

Additionally, it notes that trade flows are starting to reconfigure in response to international tensions, especially with a decrease in bilateral trade deficits. This is particularly noticeable in the relationship between the U.S. and countries like China and Canada, suggesting that new trade policies are beginning to take effect.

With a message of optimism, the report concludes by stating that, despite the challenges, global trade remains robust. It is projected that the value of global trade will exceed the record levels of 2024, as long as significant disruptions do not arise in the coming months. The ability of developing economies to drive growth and their strength in key sectors are crucial elements for the resilience of trade on a global scale.

Source: MiMub in Spanish

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