Global goods trade expanded by 12.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching approximately US$13.7 trillion, according to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This growth was largely propelled by surging demand for artificial intelligence-related products, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and critical minerals. While services trade also saw a 10.5% increase, regional performance remained varied, with East Asian developing economies driving much of the expansion. Conversely, Nigeria experienced a significant decline in foreign direct investment during the first quarter of 2026, dropping to US$135.08 million from US$357.80 million in the previous quarter.