Decline in global merchandise trade volumes to continue for now: WTO

Situation to worsen as estimates don't take into account coronavirus outbreak

The current decline in global merchandise trade volumes is expected to continue in the early months of 2020, as uncertain business conditions fueled by protectionism further reduce export orders in key sectors, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has said.

The global body’s Goods Trade Barometer (GTB) on Monday signaled further weakening of trade volumes in fourth quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020. 

“World merchandise trade volume was 0.2 per cent lower in Q3 2019, relative to the same quarter in 2018 in line with expectations from the barometer index of November 2019,” the WTO said.

The GTB provides real-time information on