UNCTAD Report: Services Reshaping Global Trade, But Least Developed Countries Lag in Digital Exports

A new Global Trade Update from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that services are increasingly central to global trade, constituting 71% of global intermediate inputs and 27% of global exports in 2025. Digitally deliverable services have seen rapid growth, now accounting for 56% of global services exports. However, the report highlights a significant disparity, with least developed countries (LDCs) falling behind. Their share of global services exports dropped to 0.6% in 2025, and digitally deliverable services represent only 16% of their services exports, compared to 61% in developed economies. This lag is attributed to persistent gaps in connectivity, payments infrastructure, and skills, underscoring the need for stronger digital infrastructure and regulatory capacity in LDCs.