THE global
merchandise trade has declined in Q3 as compared to Q2. It was 18%
higher in the third quarter of 2010 than in the same period of 2009, according
to the latest WTO quarterly figures released yesterday. This marks a slowdown
in comparison with the 26% increase registered in the second quarter of 2010.
From
January to September trade expanded by 23%, continuing the recovery that
began in the second quarter of 2009. Despite this positive trend, the value
of world trade remains below its peak level from before the present financial
crisis.
These short-term “value” figures should not be confused with the
annual trade growth figures, which are “volume” data using “constant
dollars” with inflation taken into account.
The latest projection of 13.5% merchandise trade volume growth for 2010, released
on 20 September, remains unchanged for the time being.
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