Global Export Growth Moderates Amid Rising Costs

Global goods-export growth eased in October as higher energy, fuel and shipping costs weighed on demand, with the S&P Global new export orders index slipping to 50.9 from 51.6 while remaining in expansion territory. The slowdown was uneven: the eurozone outperformed Asia, Germany posted a strong increase in orders, and India and Indonesia also recorded growth, while separate forecasts pointed to continued strength in China’s exports, driven partly by demand for AI infrastructure; China’s growing trade surplus could further strain relations with trading partners. Pakistan’s exports rose 8.52% in July–October but grew only 2.84% year over year in October, as elevated costs and disrupted trade routes weighed on shipments; rising imports widened its trade deficit.