Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 29, 2026 Economic development
More than one-eighth of trade revenues come from information and communications technology (ICT), with 80 percent of these products manufactured in Asia. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), electronic components—microchips, circuit boards, and sensors—play a key role in the sector's rapid growth.
Electronic components are an unnoticed but critical part of our daily lives. They are found in smartphones, computers, network centers, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. Their production generates significant added value and influences the economic development of countries. Companies that produce components create more highly skilled jobs and generate sustainable export revenues.
However, the benefits of digital trade are unevenly distributed. Developing countries often have limited capacity, producing only simple components or performing assembly. This prevents them from fully participating in the digital economy. Without investment in technology and skills development, such countries risk remaining on the periphery of global trade.
Trends in services
According to UNCTAD, global trade in information and communications technology services will reach $1.2 trillion in 2024. The sector has seen steady growth since 2017, with demand increasing significantly during the pandemic. COVID-19.
Europe leads the world in ICT services exports (e.g., telecommunications and computer services), accounting for approximately 57 percent of the total market, while Africa and Latin America combined account for less than 3 percent.
Digital products
Trade in goods that can be delivered remotely in digital format, including films, music and books, grew by 10 percent in 2024.
Developed countries accounted for about three-quarters of exports, amounting to approximately $3.8 trillion, while developing countries exported goods worth about $1.2 trillion.
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