Concern slow growth could be on the horizon for global trade

A long-term insights briefing released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, suggests political risks have undermined support for free trade - with many going towards economic nationalism.

The report says growth in international trade's fallen from a 5.1 percent average in the 2000s - to 4.6 percent in the 2010s.

MBIE forecasts international goods trade to grow at just half a percent in 2026 - reflecting tariff challenges and uncertainty.

It says the trends are forecast to have a negative impact on global economic growth.