GCC Trade to Hit $2.3 Trillion by 2033, Driven by 5.5% Annual Growth

Titled Great Powers, Geopolitics, and the Future of Trade, the report attributes this growth to expanding trade with key markets like China ($88 billion) and Japan ($46 billion). Non-hydrocarbon trade is projected to grow by 3.5% annually, reflecting the region’s economic diversification efforts.

The report highlights the GCC’s increasing role as a connector between East and West, with trade between developing nations expected to grow by $673 billion by 2033. The region’s strategic location and expanding infrastructure position it to capitalize on these shifts.

“The GCC is not just a geographic intermediary but a key orchestrator of new trade patterns,” said Rami Rafih, Managing Director and Partner at BCG. He emphasized the need to shape emerging trade corridors as global trade flows evolve.

BCG advises GCC businesses to build resilient supply chains, enhance geopolitical capabilities, expand in growth markets like India and China, and adopt smart nearshoring strategies. Cristian Rodriguez-Chiffelle, Partner at BCG, noted that success will require deep market intelligence, scenario planning, and strategic adaptability.