ADB: Global Trade Finance Gap Remains at US$2.5 Trillion

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — According to the latest research by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), global demand for trade finance is expected to continue growing as markets diversify, intra-regional trade deepens, and supply chains are restructured. This view was shared by 80% of banks surveyed in the Global Trade Finance Gap Survey.

The report, a key benchmark for unmet demand in trade finance, estimates the global trade finance gap at US$2.5 trillion in 2025, unchanged from 2023. This represents approximately 10% of global trade, slightly lower than the previous period’s 10.6%. Despite modest progress, the persistent gap constrains global economic growth, as many companies face a lack of financing to seize trade opportunities.

“Trade is a central driver of economic development and has helped millions of people escape poverty,” said Isabel Chatterton, ADB’s Director for Private Sector Operations. “Without sufficient trade finance, the global economy risks missing growth opportunities. Efforts to close the gap must be doubled to unlock the full potential of trade for development and improved quality of life in the region and beyond.”

The ADB survey covered more than 110 trade finance providers, representing up to one-third of the global market, making it a leading global indicator of the sector’s health. The study found that financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continues to expand, with over 80% of banks reporting strategies to support SMEs. For the first time, the rejection rate for SME trade finance (41%) is nearly on par with that for large and medium companies (40%), though further analysis is needed.

Nearly 90% of surveyed banks consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making trade finance decisions. However, capital outflows from ESG funds have reduced the capacity of these resources to close the trade finance gap. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector is accelerating: 84% of banks use AI to prevent fraud and analyze risk, while 57% are exploring its potential to expand financial access.

The report emphasizes that trade digitalization by 2030 and scaling innovative supply chain finance—particularly for lower-tier SMEs—will be critical to narrowing the global trade finance gap.

ADB’s private sector operations, supported by its AAA credit rating, provide guarantees and loans to facilitate trade, imports, and exports through nearly 300 partner banks. In 2025, these operations supported trade worth US$5.7 billion. The Bank remains a key partner in diversifying international and intra-regional trade across Asia and the Pacific, promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Founded in 1966, ADB has 69 member countries, 50 of which are in the region. The Bank supports stable economic growth, improved infrastructure, and environmental protection by leveraging innovative financial instruments and strategic partnerships to transform lives across Asia and the Pacific.