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.