WORLD MERCHANDISE TRADE 18 PCT HIGHER IN Q3, SAYS WTO

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The value of the world merchandise trade was 18
per cent higher in the third quarter of this year than in the same period last
year, says the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

This marks a slowdown in comparison with the 26 per cent increase registered in
the second quarter of this year.

From January to September, trade expanded by 23 per cent, continuing the
recovery that began in the second quarter of 2009, it said in its latest
quarterly figures released Wednesday.

Despite this positive trend, the value of world trade remains below its peak
level from before the present financial crisis, it said.

The WTO said these short-term “value” figures should not be confused with the
annual trade growth figures, which are “volume” data using “constant dollars”
with inflation taken into account.

The latest projection of 13.5 per cent merchandise trade volume growth for 2010
released on Sept 20 remains unchanged for the time being.

WTO short-term merchandise trade values are expressed in “current” US dollars,
that is, they are not adjusted for changes in prices nor are they seasonally
adjusted.

Seasonal patterns therefore considerably affect the quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q)
and month-on-month (M-o-M) developments in world trade and this in turn affects
comparisons between trade developments in individual regions and economies.
-- BERNAMA