Services are playing a larger role in global trade, but developing economies risk falling further behind as digitally deliverable exports expand faster than traditional trade channels.
A September 2026 update from UN Trade and Development says services accounted for 71 per cent of global intermediate inputs in 2022. Their share of total global exports reached 27 per cent in 2025, up from 23 per cent a decade earlier.
Digital delivery is driving growth
Digitally deliverable services—including software, finance, professional advice, media and other work that can be supplied remotely—grew by an average of 7.1 per cent a year over the past decade. They now represent 56 per cent of global services exports.
This shift creates opportunities for businesses that can reach customers without relying on physical shipping. It also makes reliable internet access, cross-border payments, digital skills and clear international rules increasingly important to economic competitiveness.
The gap between economies remains wide
Least developed countries accounted for only 0.6 per cent of global services exports in 2025. Digitally deliverable services represented just 16 per cent of their services exports, compared with 61 per cent in developed economies.
UNCTAD warns that limited connectivity, expensive or difficult cross-border payments and shortages of specialised skills can prevent smaller firms from participating. Artificial intelligence may widen these differences if the technology is adopted mainly in wealthier markets. Fewer than one-third of developing countries currently have national AI strategies, according to the report.
What policymakers and businesses can do
UNCTAD identifies better services-trade data, investment in digital infrastructure and skills, and meaningful participation in global rulemaking as priorities. Businesses seeking international customers also need to consider data protection, payment compliance, tax rules and the reliability of digital platforms in each market.
The trend suggests the future of global trade will depend not only on ports and manufactured goods, but also on the ability to move knowledge, expertise and digital products across borders.
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