WTO's Goods Barometer hits record high, confirming strength of trade recovery

August 20, 2021

According to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) latest Goods Trade Barometer global merchandise trade is continuing its robust recovery from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest barometer reading of 110.4 is the highest on record since the indicator was first released in July 2016, and up more than 20 points year-on-year.

The rise in the barometer reflects both the strength of current trade expansion and the depth of the pandemic-induced shock in 2020. It is notable that, while still well above trend, the index has started to rise at a decreasing rate, which could presage a peaking of upward momentum in trade.

The Goods Trade Barometer is a composite leading indicator providing real-time information on the trajectory of merchandise trade relative to recent trends ahead of conventional trade volume statistics.

The full Goods Trade Barometer is available here.