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Global Trade Outlook and Statistics Report


Why is it in the news?

  • Global Trade Outlook and Statistics Report was released by World Trade Organisation.

More about the news

  • Preliminary signs of fragmentation in trade flows identified in the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics Report by the World Trade Organisation.

Fragmentation in goods trade:

  • In 2023, intermediate goods trade decreased by 6%, while trade in non-intermediates remained flat.
  • The share of Asian trading partners in China’s total parts and accessories declined slightly from 62.8% in 2019 to 60.2%.
  • Disruptions on major shipping routes, including the Panama Canal and Suez Canal, are testing the resilience of global trade.
  • Panama Canal, handling 6% of global trade, is operating at partial capacity due to freshwater shortages.
  • Suez Canal, responsible for about 12% of global trade, faces trade hindrances due to vessel attacks, leading to diversions of traffic and longer Asia-Europe journeys.

Fragmentation in services trade:

  • Potential impact of data flow disruptions noted.
  • Evidence of “friendshoring” observed in ICT services, with US imports from Asia (mainly India) dropping to 32.6% from 45.1%, while imports from North America increased.
·       “Friendshoring” refers to a trade practice where a country’s supply chain networks are focused on political and economic allies.

 

 

Initiatives to boost global supply chain and trade

·       Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) launched by India, Japan, and Australia.

·       India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor aimed at connecting India to the Gulf and Gulf to Europe.

·       Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) established to enhance economic engagement among partner countries.

 


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