In Short : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that global demand for trade finance is expected to increase significantly as companies diversify and realign supply chains in response to geopolitical shifts and trade tensions. The ADB’s latest survey reveals a persistent $2.5 trillion trade finance gap, highlights rising interest in local currency financing, and notes accelerated adoption of digital and innovative finance solutions to bridge unmet needs.
In Detail : MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Global demand for trade finance is expected to rise as companies diversify markets, deepen intra-regional trade, and reconfigure supply chains, according to 80% of banks polled in the latest Global Trade Finance Gap Survey released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The report, the only global benchmark of unmet demand for trade finance, estimates the global trade finance gap remained at $2.5 trillion in 2025—unchanged from 2023—and represents about 10% of global trade, down from 10.6%. While this indicates slight progress, the persistently large trade finance gap stifles growth as many firms cannot access the finance they need to maximize trade opportunities.
“Trade is central to economic development and has helped to lift millions of people from poverty,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Isabel Chatterton. “Without sufficient trade finance, the global economy risks missing out on growth opportunities. We must redouble our efforts to close the trade financing gap to unlock the full potential of trade-driven economic development to transform lives in this region and beyond.”
ADB’s trade finance survey is the world’s leading barometer of trade finance health. The latest edition—the 9th iteration—analyzed data and opinions collected during 2023–2025 from more than 110 trade finance providers, representing up to a third of the global trade finance market.
Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing may be expanding, with more than 80% of banks reporting dedicated strategies for supporting SMEs. For the first time, ADB’s Global Trade Finance Gap Survey suggests SME rejection rates for trade finance (41%) have fallen to nearly the same level as those for large and mid-cap corporates (40%), though this requires more research.
Nearly 90% of banks surveyed continue to factor environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their trade financing decisions. However, capital outflows from ESG-focused funds have reduced the potential for ESG-specific capital pools to help narrow the trade finance gap.
The adoption of artificial intelligence is accelerating across the industry. Of the banks surveyed, 84% said they use artificial intelligence for fraud prevention and risk analysis, with 57% exploring how it can expand financing capacity.
The report underscores that digitalizing trade by 2030 and scaling innovative supply chain finance—which channels liquidity to lower-tier SMEs—are critical to closing the global trade finance gap.
Backed by the bank’s AAA credit rating, ADB’s private sector operations deliver guarantees and loans that support trade, import, and export opportunities through nearly 300 partner banks. ADB is a key partner in helping diversify trade both internationally and intra-regionally within Asia and the Pacific, helping to maximize the positive development impact from trade. In 2025, ADB’s private sector operations supported $5.7 billion in trade.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
