World goods trade growth slows

The value of world merchandise trade grew 18 percent in the third quarter, the World Trade Organisation said Wednesday, noting however that the pace of growth slowed from the second. "The value of world merchandise trade was 18 percent higher in the third quarter of 2010 than in the same period of 2009," the WTO said. "This marks a slowdown in comparison with the 26 percent increase registered in the second quarter of 2010," it added.
Emerging markets continued to lead growth, with Brazilian exports up 33 percent year-on-year. China's exports rose 32 percent while overall for Asia, the figure was 29 percent higher. European exports were weaker, rising just seven percent from a year ago, according to the WTO data. The Geneva-based trade body added that it was maintaining its trade growth forecast of 13.5 percent for 2010.