Story perspectives

WTO warns trade fragmentation could cut GDP 5.1%

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The World Trade Organization urges members to reform global trade rules to prevent fragmentation.
166 WTO members missed a reform deal at the March ministerial meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon.
WTO economists warn fragmentation could cut global GDP by 5.1% and exports by 18.6% by 2050.
Enhanced multilateral cooperation could raise global GDP by 2.9% and increase exports nearly 18%.

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Story summary

The World Trade Organization urges members to reform global trade rules to prevent fragmentation.
166 WTO members missed a reform deal at the March ministerial meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon.
WTO economists warn fragmentation could cut global GDP by 5.1% and exports by 18.6% by 2050.
Enhanced multilateral cooperation could raise global GDP by 2.9% and increase exports nearly 18%.