Supply Chain Report – Trade in G20 economies has experienced a remarkable shift over the past year, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) reporting an unprecedented increase in both tariffs and trade-facilitating measures. Between mid-October 2024 and mid-October 2025, trade affected by tariffs quadrupled compared to the previous reporting period—the largest surge in the history of WTO trade monitoring. At the same time, economies simultaneously implemented measures to make trade easier, doubling the value of trade-facilitating initiatives.
According to the WTO’s 32nd report on G20 trade measures, tariffs impacted merchandise imports worth USD 2,599 billion, or 14.3% of total imports—a significant rise from USD 599 billion recorded in the preceding period. Across imports and exports, 185 measures were recorded affecting trade valued at approximately USD 2,900 billion.
Interestingly, while protectionist measures increased, G20 economies also introduced 184 new trade-facilitating measures covering trade estimated at USD 2,055 billion, almost double the amount from the last report. This shows that despite rising tariffs, G20 members are actively pursuing policies to reduce trade costs, maintain dialogue, and avoid retaliatory measures that could escalate tensions.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commented on the findings, stating: “Even as the global trading system faces some of the most severe disruptions in 80 years, trade is showing considerable resilience. We see protectionist measures affecting a higher share of world trade, but also strong efforts to facilitate trade and maintain dialogue. WTO members should seize this opportunity to strengthen the system and put trade on firmer footing.”
The report also highlights that the stockpile of measures affecting imports, steadily growing since the 2008-09 financial crisis, has sharply increased in 2025. One year ago, 12.9% of G20 imports were affected (USD 2,353 billion), but now this has jumped to 22% (USD 4,015 billion), representing 16.9% of world imports.
World merchandise trade growth is estimated at 2.4% in 2025 and projected at 0.5% in 2026. Strong demand for AI-related products, import frontloading, and continued trade growth among developing economies contributed to a stronger-than-expected first half of 2025.
Trade remedies remain a key tool for G20 economies, with anti-dumping measures accounting for over half of all trade measures recorded in the report. Services trade was also affected, with 52 new measures introduced, primarily aimed at facilitating trade in sectors such as telecommunications, internet-enabled services, and professional services.
Finally, the report emphasizes that G20 economies continue to engage actively in WTO committees and trade discussions, using these platforms to address trade concerns and negotiate solutions. The combination of rising tariffs and facilitation measures underscores the delicate balance governments are trying to achieve—protecting domestic industries while ensuring global trade remains resilient and predictable.
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