Global economy

International trade pulse

18/12/2020 PNG

Merchandise trade gradually nears pre-pandemic levels, trade in services still dragged down by travel

International merchandise trade continued to expand in October and November, driven in particular by Asia and by robust global demand for electronics, computers and mobile phones (the so-called ‘lockdown goods’).

In Europe and the Americas, the ongoing recovery in merchandise trade is being led by a rebound in machinery, transport equipment and pharmaceuticals.

On the back of higher merchandise trade volumes, freight transport services also picked up in October; however, the ongoing virtual standstill in international travel continues to weigh down overall trade in services.

See OECD International Trade Pulse.

TwitterFacebookLinkedInEmail