Catarina Vieira· Verts/ALE

Confirmed

70% of global trade relies on WTO rules.

Omissions

• The most recent available data is from 2025, not 2026. The claim references 'still relies' which implies current data, but 2026 data would not yet be available at the time of the speech (March 2026). The source (Brookings Institution citing WTO data) indicates the figure is actually 'more than 70%' rather than exactly 70%.

Sources

• PrimaryWTO Data Blog - Over 80 per cent of global merchandise trade is on most-favoured-nation termsMore than four-fifths (80%) of international merchandise trade is conducted on most-favoured-nation (MFN) basis despite the proliferation of preferential trade agreements.
• SecondaryBrookings Institution - A new opening for WTO reformIn 2025, more than 70% of the world's trade took place under WTO rules.