Tourism drives ocean services to 58% of global trade

Tourism and shipping dominate ocean trade as services overtake goods in global value capture.

Ocean services now account for 58% of global ocean-related trade, overtaking goods and reshaping how value is generated across maritime industries, according to the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The organisation released data for World Oceans Day revealing that trade in ocean-related services reached $1.44t in 2025, up from 47% in 2020.

Marine and coastal tourism remained the largest segment at $785b, with maritime freight transport trailing at $487b and port services at $144b.

The shift follows a sharp recovery in tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut international marine and coastal travel by 70% in 2020.

“It also shows how exposed the ocean economy remains to shocks, including geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and disruptions along key maritime routes,” UNCTAD said.

Services trade in the ocean economy also grew by 3% in 2025, down from 12% in 2024.

Ocean-related goods trade surpassed $1t in 2025, rising 8%, with key categories including ships and port equipment ($414b), high-tech manufactures ($402b), fisheries and aquaculture ($209b), and sea minerals at ($2b).

“But most value from ocean products is captured beyond primary commodities, especially in manufacturing, processing, and services,” the organisation said.

It added that small island developing states and coastal developing countries could increase value capture through integrated ocean and blue economy strategies.

Marine research and development also grew 9% in 2025, the fastest rate amongst services segments, linked to growth in marine data, ecosystem monitoring, and marine technology transfer frameworks.

The organisation said about 10% of marine areas and 17% of territorial waters are under protection, below the global target of 30% by 2030.