Geneva: International trade in services continued to expand in 2026, with global services exports recording strong growth during the first quarter, according to data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

UN Trade and Development reported that global services exports increased by 10.3 percent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of services in international commerce.

The expansion covers a wide range of activities, including information technology, financial services, transport, tourism, professional services and other business-related activities.

Services have become an increasingly important component of the global economy. Unlike traditional merchandise trade, services can be delivered digitally or through people and businesses operating across international borders.

Digitalisation has played an important role in this transformation. Advances in telecommunications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and online platforms have enabled companies to provide services to customers in different countries without requiring the same physical infrastructure traditionally associated with international trade.

The latest figures indicate that services trade continues to provide an important source of economic activity for both developed and developing economies.

Countries with strong information technology and professional-service sectors have benefited from rising international demand for digitally delivered services. At the same time, tourism and transportation services remain important contributors to international trade.

The growth in services trade also reflects changes in consumer and business behaviour. Companies increasingly rely on international suppliers for software, consulting, financial services, logistics and other specialised activities.

For developing economies, expanding services exports can create opportunities to earn foreign exchange and generate employment. Digital services can be particularly important because they may allow businesses to reach overseas customers without the large physical investment required for manufacturing exports.

However, the continued expansion of global services trade also faces challenges. Differences in regulations, digital infrastructure, data policies and access to skilled workers can affect the ability of businesses to compete internationally.

The global economy has also experienced significant changes in recent years, including shifts in supply chains, technological developments and changes in international travel. These factors have influenced the composition and direction of services trade.

The latest UN Trade and Development data therefore provide an indication of the growing role of services in the global trading system.

Services are also becoming increasingly connected with merchandise trade. For example, manufacturing companies depend on transport, finance, insurance, software and professional services to move products through international supply chains.

The strong growth recorded in the first quarter suggests that services remain an important component of global trade despite continuing economic uncertainties.

Policymakers are increasingly focusing on improving digital connectivity, developing skills and reducing unnecessary barriers to cross-border services. Such measures could help economies participate more effectively in the expanding international services market.

The latest figures underline the continuing transformation of global commerce, with services playing a larger role alongside traditional trade in physical goods.

As digital technologies continue to develop and businesses expand their international operations, global services trade is expected to remain an important area of international economic policy and development.