Global service trade slowed to 5% in Q1 of 2025: WTO

New Delhi: The global services trade growth slowed in the first quarter of 2025 to 5% on-year due to global economic uncertainties, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said Thursday. However, double digit exports growth was recorded in Asian economies such as China at 13%, India at 12% and Japan at 11%.

“Global services trade growth slowed in the first quarter of 2025 to 5% year-on-year, roughly half the pace recorded in both 2024 and 2023,” it said.

The appreciation of the US dollar against the euro and other currencies, coupled with increased economic uncertainty, contributed to the slowdown in services trade in the early months of the year, it said.

Computer services exports were only marginally affected by the broader slowdown, as strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and cybersecurity solutions continued to drive growth. This momentum is expected to persist, supported by ongoing business adaptation to new technologies and rising consumer preferences for digital services.

“During the period, India’s computer services exports grew 13%, while Ireland recorded a 9% increase,” WTO said.

As per the report, services exports in Europe and North America increased only 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, down from 8% and 11% respectively in the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, strong growth was sustained in Asia at 9%.