Global Goods Trade Recovery Extends Into Q3, WTO Says
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Global merchandise trade is recovering from last year’s slump, the World Trade Organization said, as one of its barometers for activity rose further above the longer-term average pace.
The WTO’s goods barometer increased to 103 compared with a reading of 100.6 in March, the Geneva-based organization said Sept. 4.
The baseline of 100 indicates growth over the next quarter that’s in line with medium-term trends.
“This suggests that merchandise trade has been picking up in the third quarter of 2024.” the report said. “However, the outlook remains uncertain due to shifting monetary policy in advanced economies and weakening export orders.”
Goods barometer rises above trend, signalling upturn in trade volume #WTOStats #GlobalTrade https://t.co/oaA8c1MQPd pic.twitter.com/rWkoY5uzMK — WTO (@wto) September 4, 2024
All of the barometer’s components such as autos, shipping containers and airfreight are showing at or above-trend levels, “with the notable exception of the electronic components index, which is below trend and falling,” the WTO said.
In April the WTO forecast total goods trade will increase 2.6% in 2024, a downgrade from an earlier estimate but a turnaround from a 1.2% decline last year.
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