Top Products with Growing Demand in Global Trade (2024–2025)

In the realm of global trade, various product categories are witnessing a robust increase in demand for the years 2024-2025. This includes consumer electronics, particularly mobiles, agricultural goods, as well as health and wellness-related products. Additionally, there is significant growth in information and communication technology (ICT) products and clothing.

According to the global trade data and world import-export data, total global trade value reached a record high of $33 trillion in 2024, a 3.7% increase from 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a 9% rise in services trade, while goods trade grew by 2%. In the ever-evolving landscape of global trade, certain products are witnessing a surge in demand due to various factors such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic developments. Let's dive into the details and explore the potential frontrunners in the global market and the top global trade products with growing demand in 2025, based on the world trade statistics. 

What is the growth forecast for global trade in 2025-26?

The WTO projected a 4% increase in commercial trade for 2025 and a 4.1% increase for 2026, which are significantly lower than the baseline estimates of 5.1% and 4.8%, respectively. The anticipated decline comes after a robust year in 2024, during which world merchandise trade volume increased by 2.9% and commercial commodities trade grew by 6.8%. The anticipated disturbance of the US-China trade war was expected to result in a 4% to 9% increase in Chinese goods exports across all areas outside of North America. Other nations would have the chance to fill the void in the United States regarding industries like textiles, apparel, and electrical equipment.

List of Top Products with a Growing Global Trade Demand (2024)

1. Consumer Electronics

• Total Trade: $2.7 trillion
• Exports: $1.4 trillion
• Imports: $1.3 trillion
• Top Exporters:
• China (based on China export data)
• South Korea
• Vietnam (as per Vietnam customs export data of electronics)
• Top Importers:
• USA
• Germany
• India

2. Agricultural Commodities (Grains, Oilseeds)

• Total Trade: $2.9 trillion
• Exports: $1.5 trillion
• Imports: $1.4 trillion
• Top Exporters:
• USA
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Top Importers:
• China
• India
• EU

3. Automobiles & Auto Parts

• Total Trade: $1.6 trillion
• Exports: $860 billion
• Imports: $740 billion
• Top Exporters:
• Germany
• Japan
• South Korea
• Top Importers:
• USA
• China
• Germany

4. Pharmaceuticals

• Total Trade: $834.8 billion
• Exports: $420 billion
• Imports: $414.8 billion
• Top Exporters:
• Germany (as per Germany pharmaceutical export data)
• Switzerland
• USA
• Top Importers:
• USA (as per US import data)
• Germany
• Switzerland

5. Textiles & Apparel

• Total Trade: $807 billion
• Exports: $420 billion
• Imports: $387 billion
• Top Exporters:
• China
• Bangladesh
• Vietnam
• Top Importers:
• USA
• Germany
• France

6. Organic Chemicals

• Total Trade: $502 billion
• Exports: $262 billion
• Imports: $240 billion
• Top Exporters:
• China
• USA
• Ireland
• Top Importers:
• USA
• China
• Germany

7. Biotechnology Products

• Total Trade: $500 billion
• Exports: $270 billion
• Imports: $230 billion
• Top Exporters:
• USA
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Top Importers:
• USA
• China
• Germany

8. Steel & Base Metals

• Total Trade: $400 billion (403 million tons)
• Exports: $220 billion
• Imports: $180 billion
• Top Exporters:
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• Top Importers:
• EU
• USA
• Germany

9. Solar Panels & Renewable Equipment

• Total Trade: $180 billion
• Exports: $100 billion
• Imports: $80 billion
• Top Exporters:
• China
• Germany
• South Korea
• Top Importers:
• USA
• India
• Japan

10. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Total Trade: $150 billion
• Exports: $85 billion
• Imports: $65 billion
• Top Exporters:
• Germany
• China
• South Korea
• Top Importers:
• USA
• UK
• Germany

Top 15 Products with Growing Global Demand (2025): Detailed Segment Analysis

Global trade is evolving rapidly with emerging trends in sustainability, technology, and shifting geopolitical alliances. Based on data from WTO, UN Comtrade, TradeImeX, and trade intelligence firms, here are the top products experiencing significant growth in global demand during 2024–2025, driven by consumer behavior, government policies, and market disruptions, as per the global trade statistics and foreign trade data: 

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Growth: EV sales expected to reach 20M units globally by the end of 2025
• Top Players: Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen
• Policy Support:
• EU bans on new ICE vehicles by 2035
• U.S. IRA Act incentives
• Emerging Markets: India, ASEAN, South America

2. Lithium-ion Batteries

• Key Use Cases: EVs, energy storage systems, electronics
• Raw Materials: Cobalt, lithium (mostly sourced from Chile, DRC, Australia)
• Supply Chain Risk: Concentrated production in East Asia

3. Solar Panels

• Global Capacity Addition: 400 GW forecasted for 2025 (IRENA)
• Tech Trends: Perovskite solar cells, bifacial panels
• Major Exporters: China (dominant), Vietnam, rising with OEM capacity

4. Semiconductors

• Shortage Recovery: Still facing bottlenecks in advanced nodes (5nm, 3nm)
• Key Buyers: Apple, Samsung, automotive OEMs
• Policy Shifts: U.S. CHIPS Act incentivizing local manufacturing

5. Plant-based Proteins

• Market Value: Projected to reach $25B by 2025
• Top Products: Soy, pea protein, mycoprotein
• Consumer Demands: Clean label, allergen-free, sustainable sourcing

6. Medical Devices

• Key Growth Segments: Home diagnostics, wearables, remote monitoring
• COVID Legacy: Boosted healthcare investments in developing nations

7. Rare Earths

• Top Uses: Magnets for EVs, wind turbines, electronics
• Supply Concern: 85% of refining is controlled by China

8. Smart Home Devices

• Popular Products: Smart thermostats, voice assistants, surveillance cams
• IoT Market: Expected to exceed $650B by 2025

Sustainability-Focused Products on the Rise

Regional Trade Trends (2024–2025)

Asia

• China: Shift from traditional exports to high-tech, EVs, batteries
• India: Surge in pharmaceuticals, edtech, textiles
• Vietnam & Malaysia: Benefiting from supply chain realignments

Europe

• Investing heavily in green tech, AI, and clean energy imports
• Strong push for carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM)

Americas

• USA: Rebuilding semiconductor and clean energy supply chains
• LATAM: Growing in agri-exports, lithium mining, and drone imports

Trade Infrastructure and Policy Impacts

• Free Trade Agreements: RCEP, CPTPP, EU-Vietnam FTA, enhancing regional trade flows
• Tariff Shifts: De-risking from China causes re-routing via ASEAN
• Digital Trade Agreements: Boosting software, cloud, edtech exports

Global Trade Data in the Last 10 Years: Historical Data on Global Trade Products

Logistics & Trade Corridor Highlights

Investment & Trade Strategy Recommendations

Key Takeaways

• The green transition, digital transformation, and health focus are driving the fastest-growing product segments in global trade.
• China, the USA, Germany, Vietnam, and India are central players in both production and consumption trends.
• Businesses that align with sustainability, automation, and localization will be better positioned for global success in 2025.

U.S. Tariff Risks & Trade Policy Outlook for Global Trade (2025)

With Donald Trump leading in U.S. 2024 election polls and pushing an aggressive trade agenda, businesses and exporters must now factor in tariff volatility, protectionism, and trade bloc realignments.

Trump-Driven US Tariff Proposals Impact on Global Trade Products (Expected 2025-26)

Potential Impacts on Global Trade Patterns

• China → USA:
• Could face up to $300B worth of high tariffs, particularly in:
• EVs
• Batteries and Solar panels
• Consumer electronics
• Likely re-routing through Vietnam, Mexico, and ASEAN as proxy exporters

• ASEAN Opportunities:
• Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand could capture Chinese export displacement in:
• Solar panels
• Consumer electronics (OEM)
• Battery pack assembly
• Risk: May face anti-circumvention duties if found re-routing Chinese goods

• Mexico Advantage:
• USMCA Shield: Mexico gains a key edge in electronics, auto parts, and apparel
• Surge in “nearshoring” to avoid tariff exposure

• EU & Japan Exporters:
• Auto, clean energy, and machinery could face up to 35% auto duties
• German EVs (Volkswagen, BMW) are especially vulnerable
• Strategic shift toward U.S.-based assembly or joint ventures

Sectors Most at Risk from Trump Tariffs (2025)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global trade landscape is poised for substantial growth across various sectors. The leading products with increasing demand in global trade for 2024 and 2025 include electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, plant-based foods, and healthcare and medical devices, as per the global trade statistics and international trade data. Manufacturers, suppliers, and investors aiming to capitalize on these emerging trends should remain informed about market developments and take advantage of the opportunities that arise from the shifting global trade dynamics.

Let’s see what happens next and how global power plays, like the return of U.S. protectionism or the race for clean tech dominance, will reshape international markets. Will Southeast Asia become the new trade factory of the world? Can African economies capitalize on agri-exports? Will nearshoring finally outpace offshoring?

We hope that you liked our insightful blog report on the top-growing products in demand in global trade. For cool international insights, market breakdowns, and real-time trade intelligence, subscribe to TradeImeX and never miss any global trade data & live import-export shipment data updates. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in today!