Technical and statistical report
U N I T E D N AT I O N S C O N F E R E N C E O N T R A D E A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
Trade growth amid volatility
and ongoing uncertainties
Key statistics and trends
in international trade 2024
Technical and statistical report
U N I T E D N AT I O N S C O N F E R E N C E O N T R A D E A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
©
A
d
o
b
e
S
to
ck
/
N
V
B
S
to
ck
er
Geneva, 2025
Trade growth amid volatility
and ongoing uncertainties
Key statistics and trends
in international trade 20242024
© 2025, United Nations
All rights reserved worldwide
Requests to reproduce excerpts or to photocopy should be addressed to the Copyright Clearance
Center at .
All other queries on rights and licences, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to:
United Nations Publications
405 East 42nd Street
New York, New York 10017
United States of America
Email: publications@
Website:
The designations employed and the presentation of material on any map in this work do not imply
the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations concerning the legal
status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its
frontiers or boundaries.
This publication has not been formally edited.
United Nations publication issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNCTAD/DITC/TAB/2025/2
ISBN: 978-92-1-003536-1
eISBN: 978-92-1-107319-5
ISSN: 2663-7960
eISSN: 2663-7979
Sales No.
mailto:publications@
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
iii
Acknowledgements
This publication was prepared by UNCTAD. Alessandro Nicita and Ksenia Koloskova compiled
the study, which also benefited from inputs and comments from members of the Division on
International Trade and Commodities of UNCTAD and the UNCTAD statistics team. Desktop
publishing was carried out by Jenifer Tacardon-Mercado.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
iv
Note
Key Statistics and Trends in International Trade is a yearly publication. It is a product of the
Division on International Trade and Commodities of UNCTAD. This publication monitors the
trends of international trade in goods and services in the medium term.
The series is part of a larger effort by UNCTAD to analyse trade-related issues of particular
importance for developing countries, as requested by the mandate of UNCTAD XV outlined in
the Bridgetown Covenant paragraphs 107 and 113.
The underlying data is available upon request at tab@.
mailto:tab%
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
v
Table of contents
Acknowledgements ..........................................................................iii
Note ...................................................................................................iv
Overview ...........................................................................................vii
Data sources ...................................................................................viii
1. Trends in international trade ........................................................ 1
Global trade trends ..................................................................... 3
Diversification and trade concentration trends ............................ 6
Major countries trade and global trade imbalances ................... 9
Global trade trends across economic sectors ........................... 12
2. Regional and bilateral trade trends .......................................... 15
Regional trends ......................................................................... 17
. South-North and South-South trade ........................................ 21
. Major bilateral trade flows ........................................................ 25
3. Sectoral level trade and trade networks ................................. 27
Trade across economic sectors ................................................ 29
Manufacturing trade networks and intra-industry trade ........... 34
4. Trade indicators .......................................................................... 39
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
vi
List of Figures
Global trade is expected to reach an all-time high in 2024................................. 4
Global trade volumes, like trade inflation, have become more volatile ............... 5
Trade-to-GDP ratio has stabilized but declined in the last two years ................. 6
Global trade concentration peaked in the mid-2010s ......................................... 7
Increasing far-shoring dominated the past decades but reversed in 2023 ......... 8
Export trends of selected economies ................................................................. 9
Import trends of selected economies ................................................................10
Global trade imbalances peaked in 2022 but remained relatively large in 2023 .11
Significant differences in trade by broad category and state of processing ......12
Trade patterns have been diverse across goods sectors .................................13
Trade patterns have been diverse across services sectors ..............................14
Developed and developing countries trade .......................................................18
Export and import by broad category, 2023 ......................................................19
Export and import by stage of processing, 2023 ...............................................20
North-South imports showed the largest decline in 2023 ..................................21
Trade between North and South by broad category, 2023.................................22
Trade between North and South by stage of processing, 2023 .........................22
Trade flows by importing and exporting regions, 2023 ......................................23
Trade growth by importing and exporting regions, 2018-2023 ..........................23
South-South trade composition by region, 2023 ...............................................24
South-South trade composition by region, 2023 vs. 2018 ...............................24
Selected trade flows and changes, 2023 .........................................................25
Global export market share 2023 and changes since 2018 ...............................30
Global import market share 2023 and changes since 2018 ...............................31
Major traders by sector, 2023 ............................................................................32
Largest gains and loss in global market share 2018-2023 .................................33
Manufacturing integration across regions (2023 and changes from 2018) .........34
Manufacturing integration, by sector (2023 and change since 2018) .................35
Manufacturing integration, by sector and region, 2023 .....................................36
Difference in manufacturing integration at the intra-regional relative to
extra-regional level (2023) ........................................................................................37
Export performance and export competitiveness ..............................................41
Import and export propensities ..........................................................................42
Food and energy net positions ..........................................................................43
Commodity dependence and manufacturing integration ...................................44
Export diversification .........................................................................................45
Export sophistication and the export sophistication gap...................................46
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
vii
Overview
Fragmentation and heterogeneity have characterized global trade patterns since the onset of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Geopolitical tensions, the resurgence of industrial policies, and uncertainty
in trade regulations are reshaping international trade patterns and global value chains. As the
trade policy environment remains uncertain, the persistence of these factors suggest that global
trade patterns are undergoing significant changes, potentially ushering in a new era with distinct
challenges for economies worldwide. Close monitoring of these developments is crucial to
understanding their implications for developing countries.
This report is organized into four sections. The first section provides an overview of global
trends influencing international trade since 2010, with a focus on key developments and shifts in
recent years, including preliminary data for 2024. The second section presents detailed statistics
comparing trade dynamics between developing and developed countries, alongside an analysis
of South-South trade and intra-regional trade flows. The third section examines sectoral trade
patterns, offering insights into the current state and evolution of global trade networks. Finally,
the fourth section includes maps visualizing key trade indicators, providing insights into trade
patterns and performance at the country level. Sections 2, 3, and 4 are based on official statistics
for 2023 and changes observed since 2018.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
viii
Data sources
The statistics in this publication were produced by the UNCTAD secretariat using data from
various sources. This report relies on the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database
(COMTRADE) () data for merchandise trade statistics. UNCTADstat (unctadstat.
) is the source of service statistics. Preliminary data from 2024 comes from UNCTAD
nowcast and from national authorities’ statistics. The data has been standardized to facilitate
cross-country comparisons. Data, although comprehensive and comparable across countries,
does not perfectly reflect national statistics, and thus some discrepancies with specific national
statistics may be present. Unless otherwise specified international trade is defined as trade in
goods (merchandise) and services. Countries are categorized by geographic region as defined
by the United Nations classification (UNSD M49). Developed countries are these identified in the
UNSD M49 according to the distinction as of December 2021. Product sectors are categorized
according to Harmonized System Classification (HS) at Chapter level, and in some instances
further aggregated at Section level. Figures are in current United States of America dollars, except
where otherwise specified. The statistics presented in this report include intra-European Union
flows unless specified otherwise.
The boundaries, colours, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work
do not imply any judgment on the part of UNCTAD concerning the legal status of any territory
or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.
1
Trends in
international
trade
©
A
d
o
b
e
S
to
ck
/
P
ra
sa
n
th
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
3
1. Trends in international trade
This section illustrates some of the significant trade trends at
the global level, covering their developments from 2010 to the
most recent patterns observed in 2024. It begins by discussing
overarching global trade trends in goods and services, also
by looking at the dynamics of globalization. This section then
presents patterns of diversification and concentration in global
trade. The analysis then presents overall trade trends for the major
global economies, providing a comparative perspective. Finally,
the section concludes with an overview of trade trends across
economic sectors and specific categories of goods.
1 See for example: the impact of covid 19 on trade and development (UNCTAD, 2022), available at: https://
2 See Global Trade Update (UNCTAD) available at:
search?f%5B0%5D=product%3A1572
Global trade trends
As of 2024, global trade in goods and
services combined is estimated to have
reached approximately US$ 33 trillion.
Goods (merchandise) trade accounts
for about US$ 25 trillion—roughly three-
quarters of the total—while services
contribute the remaining US$ 8 trillion,
or about one-quarter. This difference
highlights the continued prominence
of goods trade in shaping the overall
patterns of international commerce,
even as services play an increasingly
important role in the global economy.
Over the past 15 years, the trajectory
of global trade in goods has been
marked by increasing volatility.
After a sustained period of robust growth
that ended around 2014, trade in goods
experienced several cycles of sharp
expansions and contractions (Figure
). This period was characterized by
notable disruptions, such as oil price
shocks and the sharp downturn caused
by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,
which temporarily disrupted supply
chains and led to a decline in global trade
However, these disruptions
were consistently followed by rebounds.
For instance, the post-pandemic recovery
saw a surge in trade activity, with goods
trade reaching an all-time high in 2022.
This recovery, however, proved uneven,
as trade values and volumes declined in
2023 due to geopolitical tensions, only
to resume growth again in
Over the past
15 years, the
trajectory of
global trade
in goods has
been marked
by increasing
volatility.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
4
Trade in services has generally been
resilient, with steadier growth often
surpassing the growth of trade in
goods. Throughout the past 15 years,
trade in services has experienced consistent
growth, even as it faced occasional
challenges. The most significant disruption
occurred in 2020, when the pandemic
led to a temporary contraction in services
trade due to widespread restrictions
on travel and However, the
services sector rebounded quickly, with
a strong recovery beginning in 2021.
Since then, services trade has continued
to demonstrate robust performance,
benefiting from structural trends such as
the digitalization of economies, the growth
of e-commerce, resurgence in travel and
tourism, and the increasing global demand
for professional and financial services.
3 For more information see: Covid-19 and Tourism, an update (UNCTAD, 2022) available at:
publication/covid-19-and-tourism-update
The value of global trade in goods has
been largely and increasingly influenced
by price volatility. The value of global trade
is influenced by the prices of traded goods,
which in turn is shaped by a combination
of factors, including inflationary trends,
commodity prices, and fluctuations in the
value of the United States dollar. Over
the past 15 years, both general inflation
and commodity prices have experienced
significant volatility, with major global events
further contributing to sharp changes in
the values of international trade through
changes volumes. Figure illustrates the
trends in the overall prices of traded goods,
highlighting several key episodes that have
contributed to these recent trends. For
instance, the oil price shocks and economic
downturns of 2015–2016, the uncertainty
surrounding Brexit ongoing negotiations
Goods Services
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Figure
Global trade is expected to reach an all-time high in 2024
Global trade in goods and services, US$ trillion
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Data for 2024 includes estimates and UNCTAD nowcast.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
5
in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic in
2020 all coincided with declines in the
prices of traded goods. On the other hand,
the surge in prices observed in 2021 and
2022 was largely driven by generalized
global inflationary pressures and the war
in Ukraine4, while the decline in the value
of global merchandise trade in 2023 was
influenced by a moderation in global inflation.
Over the past 5 years, global
trade volumes have become more
volatile, reflecting heightened global
uncertainties. Trade volumes have
historically been more stable than values,
as they are influenced by deeper structural
factors such as production capacity,
consumer demand, and supply chain
dynamics, which typically change more
gradually over time. However, during the
last few years, trade volumes have shown
4 The impact on trade and development of the war in Ukraine (UNCTAD, 2022) available at:
publication/impact-trade-and-development-war-ukraine
increased volatility. The heightened volatility
began during the COVID-19 pandemic
in 2020, when trade volumes contracted
sharply. In subsequent years, trade volumes
continued to fluctuate, culminating in 2023
with a decline. This decline, though more
subtle, was largely driven by geopolitical
tensions and heightened global economic
uncertainty. Projections for 2024 suggest
renewed growth, indicating that international
trade volumes may stabilize once again.
Nevertheless, the volatility in trade volumes
observed over the past few years represents
a new trend not seen in recent history.
Globalization trends have stalled, with
mounting global uncertainties likely
leading to a period of de-globalization.
Globalization trends are often assessed
by comparing global trade performance
to global GDP growth. Historically, trade
-10
10
20
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Volumes growth rate Trade inflation
Oil price shocks Brexit
Covid-19
War in
Ukraine
Rebound from the
Global financial crisis
Arab spring
Figure
Global trade volumes, like trade inflation, have become more volatile
Import volumes growth rate, unit value growth rate (per cent)
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Data for 2024 includes estimates and UNCTAD nowcast. Data does not include trade in services.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
6
volumes and values have generally mirrored
the growth of global GDP, highlighting their
close interdependence. Similar, but more
volatile, patterns emerge when examining
the value of international trade in goods
and services relative to global GDP (Figure
). The globalization trends that emerged
at the beginning of the century have
largely stalled since 2012, as global value
chains matured and consolidated around
established bilateral trade relationships.
However, since 2016, the trade-to-GDP
ratio started to exhibit increased volatility to
decline after 2022. Overall, disruptions such
as the war in Ukraine, United States-China
trade tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic,
logistics and shipping bottlenecks, and
heightened geopolitical uncertainties
have exposed vulnerabilities in the global
trade system and signalled a shift away
from previous globalization patterns.
Diversification and
trade concentration trends
Recent trends suggest that the
concentration of global trade around
large economies has shifted into a
more decentralized trade structure.
The past 15 years have seen a shift in trade
concentration patterns. Initially, global trade
became more concentrated around larger
economies, with global trade concentration
peaking in the mid-2010s. However, after
that, the concentration of global trade
declined, as larger economies lost some of
their relative importance (Figure ). The
increase in concentration of global trade in
the early 2010s was driven largely by the
continuing integration of major East Asian
economies into the global market, with
China playing a significant role. However,
in the latter part of the decade, this trend
reversed, and trade growth for smaller
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Global imports over global GDP trend
Figure
Trade-to-GDP ratio has stabilized but declined in the last two years
Imports of goods and services, per cent of gross domestic product at current prices
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Data for 2024 includes estimates and UNCTAD nowcast. Trend is calculated using 5-year moving
average. GDP stands for gross domestic product.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
7
economies started to pick up and outpace
that of larger ones. This is a trend that is
partly due to rising geopolitical and trade
tensions among major economies, and the
consequent increase in the importance of
smaller economies acting as intermediaries
or new hubs for trade networks. Notably, the
trade concentration index has become more
volatile in recent years, reflecting increasing
uncertainty in global trade dynamics.
Long standing far-shoring trends
have turned into nearshoring in 2023.
One well-established trade trend that has
emerged during the era of globalization is
the diminishing importance of geographic
distance in shaping international trade.
This shift was largely driven by strategic
business decisions to optimize production
processes by sourcing materials, labour,
and manufacturing from locations around
the world. Advancements in technology,
transportation, communication, lower trade
costs, and reduced risk of cross border
transactions due to multilateral and bilateral
agreements have enabled companies to
manage complex global supply chains
spanning multiple countries and continents.
As a result, the average geographic length
of bilateral trade relationships has increased
(Figure ). However, in 2023, this trend
reversed, with trade between geographically
closer nations growing at a faster rate,
potentially signalling the emergence of a
nearshoring trend. While it is too early to
determine whether this reversal represents
a permanent shift, as a similar dynamic was
observed between 2015 and 2016, the
current context of risk mitigation strategies
addressing overextended value chains,
trade tensions, and geopolitical uncertainties
could reinforce and embed this change.
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
Global trade concentration trend
Figure
Global trade concentration peaked in the mid-2010s
Index (2010=100)
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Trend is calculated using 5-year moving average. Data does not include services. Trade concertation is
calculated based on the Herfindahl concentration index.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
8
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
Average geographic distance of global trade trend
Figure
Increasing far-shoring dominated the past decades but reversed in 2023
Index (2010=100)
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data. Geodesic distance is from CEPII.
Note: Trend is calculated using 5-year moving average. Data does not include services. Average geographic
distance is calculated as a trade-weighted average distance in km.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
9
Major countries
trade and global trade
imbalances
China and India have experienced some
of the highest export growth rates
among major economies during the last
15 years, with annual growth surpassing
6 per cent (Figure ). They were followed
by Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland, which
registered annual growth between 4 and
5 per cent. The United States and the
European Union also performed relatively
well, with a recorded annual export growth
of nearly 4 per cent during the same period.
In terms of global trade share, China’s
growth has been particularly notable, with
its share increasing by about percentage
points, reaching around 14 per cent of global
exports of goods and services in 2023,
equivalent to US$ trillion. India also saw
a sizeable increase in its global trade share,
growing by nearly 1 percentage point.
The importance of the United States
and the European Union as global
exporters remained relatively stable
over the last 15 years, accounting for
approximately 12 per cent and 17 per
cent of global exports, respectively. In
contrast, the export performance of Japan,
the Russian Federation, and South Africa
has considerably weakened since 2010.
These economies experienced export
growth significantly below the global
average, resulting in a notable contraction
in their share of global exports. This shift
underscores the changing dynamics of
global trade, where emerging economies
like China and India have gained substantial
market share, while some developed
but also major developing economies
have seen a decline in their relative
importance in global export markets.
European Union % %
China % %
United States of
America
% %
United Kingdom % %
Japan % %
India % %
Republic of Korea % %
Canada % %
Switzerland % %
Mexico % %
Russian Federation % %
Brazil % %
South Africa % %
Country
Share of global exports 2010-
2023
Growth
2010-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Value 2023
(US$ trillion)
14
12
3
3
3
2
Figure
Export trends of selected economies
Share of global exports and annual growth (per cent), exports of goods and services
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Intra-EU trade is not included.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
10
China’s importance as an import market
has greatly increased but still lags the
United States and the European Union.
Different patterns among major economies
are also evident in relation to imports (Figure
). Like exports, import growth rates have
been higher for China, India, and Mexico
as their importance in the global economy
increased. On the other hand, Japan, the
Russian Federation, and South Africa have
experienced lower than average growth in
imports. The European Union remains the
largest global market for imports, accounting
for approximately US$ trillion, or about
17 per cent of global imports in 2023. The
United States ranks second, with around
per cent of global imports, while
China, in third place, holds a share of
per cent. Notably, China’s role as a global
importer has grown significantly since
2010 for two key reasons. First, domestic
demand for imported goods has surged,
driven by the growth of China’s middle
class and consumers’ increasing desire
for a wider range of products. Second,
imports of raw materials, components, and
intermediate goods have been essential
to support China’s export sectors.
European Union % %
United States of
America
% %
China % %
United Kingdom % %
Japan % %
India % %
Republic of Korea % %
Canada % %
Mexico % %
Switzerland % %
Russian Federation % %
Brazil % %
South Africa % %
Country
Share of global imports 2010-
2023
Growth
2010-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Value 2023
(US$ trillion)
3
Figure
Import trends of selected economies
Share of global exports and annual growth (per cent), exports of goods and services
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Intra-EU trade is not included.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
11
Global trade imbalances hit a peak in
2022 and remained above historical
averages in 2023. Trade imbalances,
while a natural feature of global trade, carry
both opportunities and risks for the global
economy. While they can be in line with
macroeconomic fundamentals and result
from an efficient allocation of resources,
persistently large imbalances can also create
economic instability. Moreover, large trade
imbalances can strain international relations,
as countries may view persistent deficits
or surpluses as signs of misalignment in
global economic policies or of unfair trade
practices. The already significant trade
imbalances of the 2010s have deteriorated
markedly after 2020, highlighting the
growing global trade disparities (Figure ).
China’s substantial trade surplus, alongside
the large trade deficit of the United States
have both contributed to this increase.
Other economies that typically run a surplus
include the Russian Federation, the Republic
of Korea, and Japan; however, Japan’s trade
balance shifted to a deficit after 2022, mainly
because of rising energy prices. On the other
hand, India and the United Kingdom have
consistently run trade deficits over much
of the last decade and a half. Meanwhile,
other developing countries, as a group,
have generally experienced a trade surplus,
which has expanded notably since 2020.
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
China India Japan Republic of Korea Russian Federation United Kingdom United States
European Union Others
Figure
Global trade imbalances peaked in 2022 but remained relatively large in 2023
Trade balance of goods and services, US$ trillion
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
Note: Country codes correspond to ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 standard. OTH stands for Other. Intra-EU trade is not
included.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
12
Global trade trends
across economic sectors
Trade in agricultural goods remains
relatively small but its growth has
outpaced that of manufacturing goods
and natural resources since 2010. Global
trade trends have shown considerable
diversity when examined across economic
sectors and different types of goods. Since
2010, trade in services has grown at an
annual rate of about 5 per cent, significantly
outpacing the growth of all categories of
merchandise trade. As of 2023, services
account for about US$ trillion or
almost one-quarter of global trade. Within
merchandise trade, the increase in value
has been largely driven by manufacturing
goods. In contrast, the value of trade in
natural resources has remained relatively
stable, while trade in agricultural goods
has seen the fastest growth, with annual
growth rates since 2010 at around per
cent. As of 2023 agricultural trade accounts
for about US$ trillion or 7 per cent of
global trade. (Figure ). This trend is also
evident when differentiating goods by their
stage of processing, with primary goods
experiencing slower growth compared to
more processed categories. Consumer and
intermediate goods, on the other hand,
have seen stronger growth, largely due to
the continuous development of global value
chains. Manufacturing goods represent a
significant share of global trade, totalling
about US$ 18 trillion in 2023, or almost
60 per cent of global trade. Regarding the
stage of processing, intermediate goods
are the most important category, valued
at around US$ 10 trillion in 2023, or about
43 per cent of merchandise trade.
The value of trade in natural resources
is generally volatile and greatly
driven by movement in oil prices.
Between 2022 and 2023, trade patterns
show a marked decline in the trade of
natural resources, as well as primary and
intermediate products. This shift reflects
changes in oil prices, broader commodity
trends, and the evolving structure of global
value chains. The broader slowdown in
the trade of intermediate goods in 2023
was partly a correction driven by large
inventories from 2022, compounded by
Broad category
Agriculture % % %
Manufacturing % % %
Natural Resources % % %
Services % % %
Stage of
processing for
goods
Capital % % %
Consumer % % %
Intermediate % % %
Primary % % %
Value 2010-2023
(US$ trillion)
Growth
2010-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Share
2023
Figure
Significant differences in trade by broad category and state of processing
Global import values and growth
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
13
rising geopolitical risks and the result
of businesses began reevaluating and
adjusting their production strategies to
increase vertical integration and reduce
reliance on vulnerable global supply chains.
Iron and steel products, electrical
machinery, chemicals, transport and
automotive sectors were the main
drivers of manufacturing trade growth
since 2010, while trade growth for
textiles and apparel lagged below
average. Global trade patterns have been
even more diverse when examined across
specific economic sectors (Figure ). For
example, the sharp decline in the value of
trade in natural resources has largely been
driven by the reduced value of the trade
in energy products, which in turn was a
consequence of lower oil prices. The decline
in other natural resources sectors was
much more muted. Among manufacturing
goods, the annual growth between 2010
and 2023 has been higher in chemicals
and electrical machinery, while textiles and
apparel have experienced relatively slower
growth. Trade growth has been more similar
across agricultural sectors, but differences
are still evident. The changes between 2022
and 2023 reveals even more variability.
For instance, trade in cereals and oilseeds
saw a sharper decline within the agriculture
Agriculture
Animal products % %
Cereals % %
Coffee, tea, spices % %
Fruits and vegetables % %
Oil seeds and oils % %
Prepared foodstuff % %
Other agriculture % %
Natural resources
Metal ores % %
Mineral fuels and
distillates
% %
Minerals % %
Manufacturing
Chemical products % %
Electrical machinery % %
Iron and steel % %
Machinery % %
Other base metals % %
Plastics and rubber % %
Precision instruments % %
Textiles and apparel % %
Transport and automotive % %
Other manufacturing % %
Sector
Value 2010-2023
(US$ trillion)
Growth
2010-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Figure
Trade patterns have been diverse across goods sectors
Global import values and growth
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
14
category. Fuel and distillates were the driving
force for the drop in the value of the natural
resource sector. In manufacturing, base
metals, plastics and rubber, and textiles
and apparel also saw substantial declines in
2023. On the other hand, the value of trade
in the transport sector notably increased.
These trends reflect the normalization of
commodity markets following the war
in Ukraine, as well as rising geopolitical
tensions and the shift towards alternative
energy sources, which have been driving the
recent surge in trade in the transport sector.
Since 2010, the telecommunications and
IT sector experienced the highest trade
growth, while the travel and insurance
services sectors have seen the lowest.
Trade growth has also been diverse
across service sectors. Between 2010
and 2023, the sectors that grew the most
were telecommunications and IT, which
expanded at an average annual rate of
per cent, and professional and consulting
services, which grew by about per cent
annually (Figure ). Goods-related service
sectors also saw above-average growth,
though their value remains relatively low.
Among the most traded service sectors,
transport has grown at a rate of about
per cent annually since 2010, while travel
at per cent per year. Looking at the
most recent changes between 2022 and
2023, the travel sector experienced the
highest growth, continuing its recovery from
pandemic-era closures. Professional and
consulting services also saw significant
growth, building on the upward trend that
began in 2010. Research and development,
along with telecommunications and IT,
and goods-related services, also grew
significantly in 2023. Meanwhile, the
transport sector was the only service
sector to experience a decline in 2023.
Transport % %
Travel % %
Technical and trade-related % %
Professional and consulting % %
Telecommunications and
information technology
% %
Intellectual property rights % %
Financial % %
Research and development % %
Insurance % %
Goods-related % %
Sector
Value 2010-2023
(US$ trillion)
Growth
2010-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Figure
Trade patterns have been diverse across services sectors
Global import values and growth
Source: UNCTAD calculation based on UNCTADstat data.
2
Regional and
bilateral trade
trends
©
A
d
o
b
e
S
to
ck
/
S
m
al
l S
m
ile
s_
d
im
p
le
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
17
2. Regional and bilateral trade trends
This section highlights key trade trends at the regional and bilateral
levels, covering developments from 2018 to 2023. It begins with
an analysis of trade trends in goods for both developed and
developing countries, with a specific focus on regions within
developing countries. It then presents statistics on trade within
and between developed and developing nations, such as South-
South trade. The section concludes with a review of the trends in
major bilateral trade flows, supported by relevant data.
Regional trends
Developed countries represent a
higher share of global trade both in
terms of exports and imports, but
experienced slower growth rates in
the past five years. Figure illustrates
growth trends in merchandise trade (exports
and imports) for the periods 2018–2023
and 2022–2023, comparing developed
and developing countries, also providing
figures for developing regions. Over the
past five years, developing countries have
generally experienced faster trade growth
compared to developed countries. However,
in 2023, developing countries witnessed
a sharper decline in exports. Specifically,
exports of developed countries contracted
approximately per cent in 2023,
while developing countries experienced
a sharper decline of per cent.
Most of developing countries’ trade
is about East Asian economies,
other developing regions contribute
significantly less to global trade figures.
Trade in East Asian developing economies
amounted to US$ trillion in exports and
US$ trillion in imports, accounting for
about 60 per cent of all trade by developing
countries. However, over the last five years,
trade in other developing regions has
generally grown faster than in East Asia.
Specifically, East Asia underperformed
in exports compared to all developing
regions except Africa, while it also recorded
the weakest growth in imports among
developing regions during this period.
Developed countries remain the primary
importers of manufactured goods, while
manufacturing exports are more equally
shared between developed and developing
countries. Figure shows the composition
of merchandise exports and imports by
broad category (manufacturing, agriculture,
and natural resources) in 2023. Developed
countries export more manufacturing
products compared to developing countries
(US$ trillion vs. trillion). A relatively
large difference is seen also in agricultural
exports and imports, with developed
countries at US$ trillion and developing
countries at US$900 billion. At the same
time, developing countries are larger
exporters of natural resources. On the import
side, developed countries imported about
one-third more manufacturing products than
developing countries, driven by their large
consumer markets and advanced industries
needing diverse intermediate goods.
Developed
countries remain
the primary
importers of
manufactured
goods, while
manufacturing
exports are
more equally
shared between
developed and
developing
countries.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
18
Export
Developed % %
Developing % %
Developing regions
East Asia % %
South Asia % %
Rest of Asia % %
Latin America % %
Africa % %
Import
Developed % %
Developing % %
Developing regions
East Asia % %
South Asia % %
Rest of Asia % %
Latin America % %
Africa % %
Development
status
Growth
2018-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Value 2023
(US$ trillion)
Figure
Developed and developing countries trade
Growth (per cent) and value (US$ trillion)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data. Data does not include services.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
19
Among developing countries regions,
East Asian economies account for most
of manufacturing trade, while other
developing regions export structure
is more heavily weighted toward
agriculture and natural resources.
East Asia alone accounts for most
manufacturing trade, with US$ trillion
in exports and US$ trillion in imports in
2023. In contrast, other developing regions
contribute far less to global manufacturing
exports, with their trade portfolios
primarily driven by agriculture and natural
resources. Except for East Asia and South
Asia, all other developing regions are net
importers of manufacturing products.
Manufacturing Agriculture Natural Resources
Export
Developed
Developing
Developing regions
East Asia
South Asia
Rest of Asia
Latin America
Africa
Import
Developed
Developing
Developing regions
East Asia
South Asia
Rest of Asia
Latin America
Africa
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
76%()
74%() 17%()
90%()
78%()
43%() 52%()
55%() 25%() 20%()
46%() 15%() 39%()
78%()
72%() 19%()
70%() 22%()
62%() 30%()
80%()
78%()
66%() 17%() 17%()
17%
52%
20%
39%
19%
22%
30%
17%
Figure
Export and import by broad category, 2023
As a percent of total trade, and in value (US$ trillion)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
20
Intermediates products make the
bulk of global trade, but most of their
trade tends to be related to developed
countries and East Asian economies.
Figure shows the breakdown of
developing and developed regions’ trade
by stage of goods processing in 2023.
Developing countries imported significantly
less consumer and capital goods in 2023,
but more primary resources compared to
developed countries. East Asia exported
a significant share of developing regions’
intermediate, capital and consumer goods,
and imported a sizeable amount of primary
products. Other developing regions’ imports
were dominated by intermediate goods,
also with significant amounts of capital
and consumer goods in Latin America
and the rest of Asia. Their exports, as
well as those of Africa, strongly relied on
primary products. South Asia and Latin
America also exported consumer goods.
Intermediate Capital Consumer Primary
Export
Developed
Developing
Developing regions
East Asia
South Asia
Rest of Asia
Latin America
Africa
Import
Developed
Developing
Developing regions
East Asia
South Asia
Rest of Asia
Latin America
Africa
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
48%() 15%() 20%() 18%()
42%() 15%() 22%() 22%()
49%() 19%() 24%()
39%() 40%()
32%() 53%()
31%() 16%() 21%() 33%()
25%() 59%()
44%() 16%() 25%() 16%()
47%() 15%() 26%()
49%() 28%()
44%() 38%()
38%() 15%() 25%() 22%()
51%() 16%() 18%() 15%()
44%() 16%() 18%() 21%()
18%
22%
53%
33%
59%
16%
26%
28%
38%
22%
15%
21%
Figure
Export and import by stage of processing, 2023
As a percent of total trade, and in value (US$ trillion)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
21
. South-North and
South-South trade
Growing at a relatively faster pace,
the value of South-South trade in 2023
exceeded that of North-South trade
or South-North. Still, North-North trade
dominates global trade in terms of value,
amounting to approximately twice the
value of other trade flows in 2023 (Figure
). However, a significant portion of
this trade occurs within European Union
member states. Importantly, trade between
developing countries has grown at a
faster pace over the past five years, with
an average annual growth rate of about
percent compared to percent for
North-North trade. However, South-South
trade remains volatile, experiencing slightly
above-average declines in 2023. Finally,
the above average decline in North-South
trade is largely due to China’s reduced
imports from many developed countries.
South-South is overly reliant on
natural resources and includes fewer
manufacturing and capital goods
compared to other trade flows. Figures
and show the breakdown of the
North and South trade flows by broad
goods category and by stage of processing.
North-North trade is strongly dominated
by manufacturing, largely in the form of
intermediate products. Imports of developed
countries from developing countries (North-
South), while of similar magnitude as the
South-South trade, has a different structure,
with relatively more manufacturing and
consumers goods. South-South trade is
relatively related to natural resources and
primary products. South-South trade has the
lowest share of capital goods (12 per cent).
North-North % %
North-South % %
South-North % %
South-South % %
Growth
2018-2023
Growth
2022-2023
Value 2023
(US$ trillion)
Figure
North-South imports showed the largest decline in 2023
Growth (percentage) and value (US$ trillion)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: North-North includes intra-EU trade of US$ trillion. Data does not include services.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
22
Manufacturing Agriculture Natural Resources
North-North
North-South
South-North
South-South
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
77%()
79%() 14%()
75%() 16%()
70%() 20%()
14%
16%
20%
Figure
Trade between North and South by broad category, 2023
As a percent of total trade, and in value (US$ trillion)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Intermediate Capital Consumer Primary
North-North
North-South
South-North
South-South
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
48%() 15%() 23%() 15%()
37%() 18%() 28%() 17%()
48%() 14%() 14%() 25%()
46%() 17%() 26%()
15%
17%
25%
26%
Figure
Trade between North and South by stage of processing, 2023
As a percent of total trade, and in value (US$ trillion)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
23
Most global merchandise trade occurs
within and between developed and East
Asia economies. Figure shows imports
and exports flows across developed and
five developing countries regions in 2023.
Developed regions and East Asia economies
dominate global trade, and more so
considering their trade among themselves. Of
the about US$ 23 trillion global merchandise
trade, about US$ 16 trillion occurs within or
between these two groups. Trade between
these regions and the rest is significantly
smaller, and trade between the other
developing countries region is often marginal.
Some exceptions are intra-regional trade of
Latin America and the Rest of Asia region.
Over the past five years, trade has
grown more rapidly between and within
many developing regions compared
to trade within or between developed
countries and East Asia. Trade growth
has varied significantly across the globe,
with some bilateral flows expanding much
faster than others (Figure ). Generally,
trade growth has been stronger between
regions that were less interconnected and
slower for regions where trade volumes
were already substantial. For example,
intra-East Asia trade grew at an average
annual rate of per cent between 2018
and 2023, while Latin American exports to
East Asia increased by per cent, and
East Asia’s exports to the Rest of Asia rose
by per cent. Conversely, trade within
Africa slightly declined during this period.
Developed 8,680 2,920 295 717 935 306
East Asia 2,180 2,240 79 416 295 141
South Asia 267 282 38 166 26 39
Rest of Asia 683 388 97 281 38 78
Latin America 749 367 28 20 214 14
Africa 252 164 40 76 20 84
Importers/Exporters Developed
East
Asia
South
Asia
Rest
of Asia
Latin
America Africa
Figure
Trade flows by importing and exporting regions, 2023
Merchandise trade value, US$ trillion
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Statistics do not include trade in services.
Developed % % % % % %
East Asia % % % % % %
South Asia % % % % % %
Rest of Asia % % % % % %
Latin America % % % % % %
Africa % % % % % %
Importers/Exporters Developed
East
Asia
South
Asia
Rest of
Asia
Latin
America Africa
Figure
Trade growth by importing and exporting regions, 2018-2023
Average annual growth of merchandise trade value, per cent
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Statistics do not include trade in services.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
24
Trade with China contributes to a
substantial share of South-South trade,
often larger than intra-regional trade.
Further delving into the composition of
South-South trade, Figure highlights
trade with China relative to other flows
among developing regions. In 2023, South-
South trade made up more than half of
most developing regions’ trade, with a
significant proportion of it being trade with
China alone. Trade with China exceed or
equalled to intra-regional trade for all regions
in 2023. Exceptionally, South Asia showed
a significantly lower share of intra-regional
trade compared to other regions (5 per cent),
while it also had a much higher share of other
South-South trade (41 per cent). The share
of South-South trade as per cent of total
trade increased for all regions but South Asia
in 2023 compared to 2018, with increased
trade with China contributing to this positive
change (Figure ). Also, all regions (except
for the rest of Asia) saw a decline in the
share of intra-regional trade since 2018.
Intraregional Other South-South Trade with China
China
East Asia (excl. China)
South Asia
Rest of Asia
Africa
Latin America
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
26% 24%
26% 12% 25%25%25%
5% 41% 13%13%
17% 23% 17%17%
13% 26% 18%18%
15% 10% 18%18%18%
Figure
South-South trade composition by region, 2023
Share in total region’s trade (imports plus exports), per cent
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Statistics do not include trade in services.
Intraregional Other South-South Trade with China
China
East Asia (excl. China)
South Asia
Rest of Asia
Africa
Latin America
-3% -2% -1% 0% 1% 2% 3% 4%
-1% 4%
1%
-1%-2%
2% 3%3%
-3% 3%
-1% 2%2%2%
Figure
South-South trade composition by region, 2023 vs. 2018
Change in the share in total region’s trade (imports plus exports), percentage points
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Statistics do not include trade in services.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
25
. Major bilateral trade
flows
Trade between the European Union and
the United States represents the largest
bilateral trade flow and has grown
substantially faster than average over
the past five years. This does not consider
trade within European Union members,
which accounts for about US$ 4 trillion.
Figure presents the largest global trade
flows driving the more general trade patterns
across regions and their changes in 2023.
The European Union and the United States
maintain the largest trade flow, valued at
nearly US$1 trillion, which has been growing
in recent years. Other significant flows include
China-European Union (US$ trillion) and
China-United States (US$ trillion), with
contrasting trends since 2018: an almost five
per cent increase for China-European Union
trade and a nearly three per cent decline for
China-United States trade. However, both
flows fell significantly in 2023 compared
to 2022. Additionally, the European Union
further weakened its trade relationship with
the United Kingdom in 2023, while the
United States strengthened its trade ties with
USMCA countries. China’s trade with Japan
and the Republic of Korea also declined last
year, while trade between China and the
Russian Federation saw notable growth. In
contrast, trade between the European Union
and the Russian Federation experienced
a dramatic drop of more than 50 per cent.
These shifts in major trade flows reflect
the impact of geopolitical developments
and evolving trade partnerships.
European Union - United States of America % % 995 288
China- European Union % % 911 193
Mexico - United States of America % % 736 170
Canada - United States of America % % 707 146
China - United States of America % % 613 -106
European Union - United Kingdom % % 527 -40
Switzerland - European Union % % 352 81
China - Japan % % 329 -26
China - Republic of Korea % % 305 -6
China - Russian Federation % % 237 106
Australia - China % % 227 65
China - Viet Nam % % 201 71
European Union - Russian Federation % % 135 -149
United States of America - Viet Nam % % 134 70
United Arab Emirates - China % % 125 74
Country pair
Growth
2022-2023
Growth
2018-2023
Value 2023
(US$ billion)
Change
2018-2023
(US$ billion)
Figure
Selected trade flows and changes, 2023
Growth and merchandise trade value
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Trade value is constructed as the sum of bilateral imports of both countries. Selected flows include flows
with largest trade value in 2023 and also those with largest changes in trade value between 2018 and 2023.
Statistics do not include trade in services.
3
Sectoral level
trade and trade
networks
©
A
d
o
b
e
S
to
ck
/
D
ar
ia
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
29
3. Sectoral level trade and trade
networks
This section explores significant trade trends at the sectoral level,
covering developments from 2018 to 2023. It starts with an analysis
of trade trends across economic sectors for both developed and
developing countries, highlighting the top importers and exporters.
The section then presents statistics on intra-industry trade and
examines sectoral trade networks within developed countries and
across different regions of developing countries.
Trade across economic
sectors
As emerging economies enhance their
competitiveness in many economic
sectors, global trade patterns are
changing accordingly. These shifts are
influenced by several factors, including
export competitiveness, domestic demand
for imported products, and the ways in
which countries integrate into and advance
within global production networks. Broadly,
as developing nations grow wealthier
and more competitive, international trade
patterns adapt. This is evident on both
the supply side, where exports from these
nations often expand, and the demand
side, as their demand for imports evolves
to meet changing domestic needs.
Developed countries continue to lead global
exports in most economic sectors, but
developing countries are steadily increasing
their share of the global market in most of
the sectors. Figure illustrates the relative
importance of developed and developing
countries as exporters in specific sectors
in 2023, along with changes since 2018.
One general observation is that developed
countries dominate global trade in many
sectors, often significantly. For example,
in 2023, they accounted for nearly 75 per
cent of global exports in the chemicals
and in transport and automotive sectors.
Conversely, developing countries tend to
hold relatively large shares of global trade
regarding natural resources, agricultural
sectors and in textiles and apparel, where
they contribute approximately 70 per
cent of global trade. Overall, developing
countries have increased their presence
as exporters across most sectors. For
instance, their share in global trade in
the transport sector rose by about 5
percentage points between 2018 and 2023.
Developed countries, meanwhile, have
generally experienced declines in market
share, with exceptions in sectors such
as minerals and fuels, where their share
has either grown or remained stable.
Developed
countries
continue to lead
global exports in
most economic
sectors, but
developing
countries
are steadily
increasing their
share of the
global market
in most of the
sectors.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
30
Demand for imported goods is growing
more rapidly in developing countries,
but developed countries remain
significantly larger importers across
most sectors. Figure illustrates the
relative importance of developed and
developing countries as importers in specific
sectors in 2023, as well as changes in
their market shares since 2018. Developed
countries continue to dominate imports in
many sectors. For example, they account for
about 73 per cent of global imports in the
transport sector and the sector comprising
coffee, tea, and spices. In contrast,
developing countries have a more significant
presence as importers of raw materials
and essential commodities, particularly in
sectors like metal ores and cereals. This
Developed 2023 Shift towards developing countries Shift towards developed countries Developing 2018
Agriculture
Animal products
Cereals
Coffee, tea, spices
Fruits and vegetables
Oil seeds and oils
Prepared foodstuff
Other agriculture
Natural resources
Metal ores
Mineral fuels and distillates
Minerals
Manufacturing
Chemical products
Electrical machinery
Iron and steel
Machinery
Other base metals
Plastics and rubber
Precision instruments
Textiles and apparel
Transport and automotive
Other manufacturing
69% 30%
65% 34%
30% 68%
41% 56%
45% 54%
65% 35%
61% 37%
43% 56%
46% 51%
45% 49%
74% 25%
34% 63%
50% 46%
59% 39%
57% 38%
59% 38%
69% 30%
29% 70%
73% 22%
53% 45%
Figure
Global export market share 2023 and changes since 2018
Market share (per cent)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
31
reflects their need for raw materials to fuel
economic development in many emerging
economies and meet the agricultural
demands of growing populations in many
developing countries. Regarding changes
over time, developed countries increased
their share as importers in sectors such as
chemical products and electrical machinery.
On the other hand, developing countries
have gained substantial ground as importers
in most other sectors. Notably, their share
of global imports in metal ore and minerals
rose significantly, by 7 and 6 percentage
points, respectively, between 2018 and
2023. This trend highlights the intensifying
demand for raw materials in emerging
economies, driven by industrialization
and infrastructure development.
Developed 2023 Shift towards developing countries Shift towards developed countries Developing 2018
Agriculture
Animal products
Cereals
Coffee, tea, spices
Fruits and vegetables
Oil seeds and oils
Prepared foodstuff
Other agriculture
Natural resources
Metal ores
Mineral fuels and distillates
Minerals
Manufacturing
Chemical products
Electrical machinery
Iron and steel
Machinery
Other base metals
Plastics and rubber
Precision instruments
Textiles and apparel
Transport and automotive
Other manufacturing
63% 34%
32% 66%
73% 26%
67% 29%
40% 58%
68% 32%
68% 31%
27% 7%7% 66%
53% 45%
40% 54%
66% 32%
45% 53%
42% 55%
62% 37%
59% 39%
59% 41%
60% 36%
69% 30%
74% 26%
71% 29%
Figure
Global import market share 2023 and changes since 2018
Market share (per cent)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
32
China is typically the largest exporter in
most manufacturing sectors, Brazil is a
large exporter of agricultural products,
while Australia and the United States are
largest exporters in natural resources.
Looking beyond the broad trends, Figure
provides a detailed breakdown of the
major traders in various sectors based on
their global market shares. For example, in
the transport sector, Germany emerges as
the leading exporter, capturing approximately
15 per cent of the global market. The United
States ranks second, followed closely by
China in third place. When examining specific
products, the United States dominates as
the largest exporter of cereals, chemical
products, mineral fuels and distillates, precision
instruments, and prepared foodstuffs. China,
meanwhile, plays a commanding role in
manufacturing exports, particularly in textiles
and apparel, where it contributes about 31 per
cent of global trade. Other economies also
hold significant positions. For instance, Brazil
leads in exports of coffee, tea, and spices,
as well as vegetable oils and seeds. Mexico
stands out as the top exporter in the fruits
and vegetables sectors. Australia is the clear
leaderin metal ores, accounting for nearly
one-third of global exports in this category.
China is the largest importer in natural
resources sectors, while the United
States leads in imports across most
manufacturing sectors. On the import
First Second Third First Second Third
Agriculture
Animal products 8% USA 7% NLD 6% DEU 12% CHN 9% USA 6% DEU
Cereals 14% USA 9% BRA 8% AUS 11% CHN 5% JPN 4% MEX
Coffee, tea, spices 13% BRA 7% IND 7% VNM 17% USA 8% DEU 6% FRA
Fruits and vegetables 9% MEX 8% ESP 7% USA 16% USA 9% CHN 8% DEU
Oil seeds and oils 19% BRA 11% USA 10% IDN 26% CHN 6% USA 5% IND
Prepared foodstuff 7% USA 7% DEU 6% FRA 12% USA 7% DEU 5% GBR
Other agriculture 19% NLD 7% DEU 5% CHN 14% USA 8% DEU 8% NLD
Natural resources
Metal ores 32% AUS 13% BRA 8% CHL 64% CHN 7% JPN 6% KOR
Mineral fuels and
distillates
12% USA 8% RUS 7% SAU 16% CHN 9% USA 6% IND
Minerals 19% AUS 6% CHN 5% TUR 28% CHN 8% USA 5% IND
Manufacturing
Chemical products 11% USA 10% DEU 10% CHN 14% USA 7% CHN 7% DEU
Electrical machinery 32% CHN 11% TWN 7% KOR 15% CHN 13% USA 9% HKG
Iron and steel 15% CHE 7% ARE 6% USA 14% ARE 12% CHN 12% CHE
Machinery 22% CHN 11% USA 10% DEU 17% USA 7% CHN 7% DEU
Other base metals 16% CHN 8% DEU 6% USA 11% USA 9% CHN 7% DEU
Plastics and rubber 16% CHN 10% USA 9% DEU 11% USA 8% CHN 7% DEU
Precision instruments 15% USA 12% CHN 11% DEU 18% USA 11% CHN 7% DEU
Textiles and apparel 31% CHN 8% VNM 6% ITA 15% USA 7% DEU 5% FRA
Transport and
automotive
15% DEU 10% USA 9% CHN 19% USA 8% DEU 5% GBR
Other manufacturing 26% CHN 7% DEU 6% USA 19% USA 7% DEU 6% CHN
Exporter Importer
Figure
Major traders by sector, 2023
Market share (per cent)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: codes correspond to ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 standard.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
33
side, China and the United States dominate
most sectors, reflecting both their reliance
on international markets and integration with
global supply chains. European Countries
are also among the larger importers. Notably,
the iron and steel sector is characterized by
some triangular trade, as United Arab Emirates
and Switzerland hold significant market
shares both as importers and exporters.
Over the last five years, Brazil has solidified its
role as a major exporter in most agricultural
sectors, while China’s importance as a global
importer of agricultural and natural resource
imports has increased substantially. Figure
illustrates the economies that experienced
the most significant changes in global market
share across sectors between 2018 and
2023. For example, during this period, China
increased its global market share in the export
of transport equipment by approximately
percentage points, whereas Germany’s
share declined by percentage points.
On the import side, China’s share in global
trade rose significantly across several sectors,
particularly minerals ( percentage points).
However, it saw decreases in others; for
instance, by 2023, China’s global market
share as an importer of precision instruments
was percentage points lower than in
2018. Other significant market share shifts
include Australia’s substantial increase as a
mineral exporter, the United States’ gains in
fuel exports, and Brazil’s expanded global
presence across most agricultural sectors.
Largest gain Largest loss Largest gain Largest loss
Agriculture
Animal products 1% BRA -1% CHN 4% CHN -2% JPN
Cereals 5% BRA -5% USA 7% CHN -2% IRN
Coffee, tea, spices 3% BRA -2% VNM 1% CHN -1% FRA
Fruits and vegetables 1% THA -2% USA 3% CHN -1% HKG
Oil seeds and oils 1% BRA -1% USA 1% ETH -1% NLD
Prepared foodstuff 1% BRA -1% FRA 1% USA -1% JPN
Other agriculture 1% COL -2% NLD 1% USA -1% DEU
Natural resources
Metal ores 3% AUS -1% BRA 9% CHN -2% JPN
Mineral fuels and distillates 4% USA -3% RUS 2% CHN -2% KOR
Minerals 15% AUS -3% CHN 14% CHN -1% DEU
Manufacturing
Chemical products 2% CHN -1% DEU 2% USA -1% CHN
Electrical machinery 2% TWN -1% KOR 1% DEU -3% CHN
Iron and steel 2% KAZ -3% GBR 5% ARE -2% IND
Machinery 2% TWN -2% CHN 1% USA -1% CHN
Other base metals 2% IDN -1% RUS 1% KOR -1% DEU
Plastics and rubber 3% CHN -1% DEU 1% MEX -3% CHN
Precision instruments 1% CHE -2% KOR 3% USA -5% CHN
Textiles and apparel 1% VNM -3% CHN 1% POL -2% USA
Transport and automotive 4% CHN -2% DEU 1% MEX -3% CHN
Other manufacturing 1% VNM -1% RUS 1% VNM -1% CHN
Exports Imports
Figure
Largest gains and loss in global market share 2018-2023
Market share (per cent)
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: codes correspond to ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 standard.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
34
Manufacturing trade
networks and intra-
industry trade
Manufacturing trade networks are
predominantly concentrated within
developed countries and East Asia
economies, while being far less
developed in and between other
regions. Since 2018, there has been a
decline in the international integration of
manufacturing networks between many
regions. In many developing regions, trade
networks are more closely integrated with
developed countries or East Asia than
among themselves. For example, Figure
shows Africa’s manufacturing trade
networks remain significantly less developed
compared to those of other regions, limiting
intra-regional trade and industrial integration.
Since 2018, manufacturing networks
within East Asia have continued to expand,
while manufacturing trade networks have
contracted in many other regions, including
developed countries. Notably, trade
networks between developed countries and
East Asia have slightly declined since 2018.
Intra Industry Inegration 2023
Developed Africa
East
Asia
Latin
America
South
Asia
Rest of
Asia
Developed 54%
Africa 22% 8%
East Asia 32% 4% 45%
Latin America 36% 13% 12% 28%
South Asia 27% 4% 16% 14% 12%
Rest of Asia 27% 13% 10% 12% 12% 19%
Change 2018-2023
Developed Africa
East
Asia
Latin
America
South
Asia
Rest of
Asia
Developed -1%
Africa 1% -1%
East Asia -2% -1% 3%
Latin America 0% 6% 0% -4%
South Asia 0% -2% -2% -4% -4%
Rest of Asia 2% -2% 0% -5% -5% 2%
Figure
Manufacturing integration across regions (2023 and changes from 2018)
Percentage points change
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Manufacturing integration is calculated using the trade-weighted average of the intra-industry trade index,
based on the Grubel-Lloyd methods at the chapter level of the Harmonized System (HS) classification including
only manufacturing consumers and intermediate goods as defined as the HS 6-digit level.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
35
The machinery sector is highly
integrated into manufacturing trade
networks. Conversely, industries
within the textile and apparel sectors
are less integrated, reflecting a more
limited reliance on these networks.
Figure illustrates the intra-industry
trade index across various manufacturing
sectors, highlighting the diversity in trade
dynamics. Some sectors are much more
internationally integrated than others. For
instance, machinery, plastics, rubber, and
precision instruments tend to be more
internationally integrated. By contrast
the textiles and apparel sector exhibits
much lower levels of intra-industry trade,
suggesting more domestic content.
Between 2018 and 2023 there has been
a decline in international integration
in most manufacturing sectors. The
overall decline likely stems from the vertical
consolidation of production processes
within individual economies, where countries
increasingly rely on domestic supply chains
rather than engaging in cross-border trade
of similar goods. Figure shows that the
degree of manufacturing integration varies
across manufacturing sectors as does it
varies in its decline between 2018 and 2023.
The sole exception to this trend is the iron
and steel products sector, which has seen a
modest increase in intra-industry trade over
the period. However, despite this growth, the
iron and steel sector remains one of the least
integrated globally, with relatively low levels
of intra-industry trade compared to others.
Chemical products 40% -2%
Electrical machinery 39% -2%
Iron and steel 27% 3%
Machinery 49% -1%
Other base metals 36% -3%
Plastics and rubber 50% -1%
Precision instruments 46% -4%
Textiles and apparel 18% 0%
Transport and automotive 36% 0%
Other manufacturing 26% -1%
Manufacturing sector Manufacturing integration Change 2018-2023
Figure
Manufacturing integration, by sector (2023 and change since 2018)
Per cent and percentage points change
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Manufacturing integration is calculated using the trade-weighted average of the intra-industry trade index,
based on the Grubel-Lloyd methods at the chapter level of the Harmonized System (HS) classification.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
36
Developed countries and East Asia
economies maintain highly integrated
trade networks in most sectors,
whereas the degree of integration
within economic sectors is substantially
lower for most other regions. Figure
delves deeper into trade networks at the
regional level, highlighting the disparities
between developed and developing
economies in terms of intra-industry
trade. Developed countries exhibit highly
integrated trade networks, particularly in
the plastics and rubber sectors, as well
as in machinery. These networks reflect
industrial interdependence with foreign
producers and consumers. In contrast,
developing countries generally show
much less integrated trade networks. The
notable exception is East Asia, where intra-
industry trade levels in many sectors are
often comparable to those of developed
countries. This underscores East Asia’s
robust integration into global value chains,
driven by its role as a hub for manufacturing
and component trade. Other developing
regions lag significantly behind. Intra-industry
trade in Africa, for example, is markedly
lower across all sectors compared to other
regions, reflecting limited trade integration.
Similarly, South Asia’s intra-industry trade
levels are often below global averages.
Latin America displays a mixed picture.
While intra-industry trade is often relatively
low, some sectors—such as machinery,
plastics and rubber, and precision
instruments—exhibit relatively higher
levels of trade integration. Notably, the
transport sector for Latin America is more
internationally integrated than for East Asia.
Chemical products 45% 11% 37% 19% 27% 18%
Electrical machinery 47% 22% 38% 30% 15% 17%
Iron and steel 25% 2% 32% 4% 26% 36%
Machinery 57% 12% 45% 36% 31% 23%
Other base metals 46% 10% 26% 28% 20% 19%
Plastics and rubber 62% 11% 39% 38% 28% 31%
Precision instruments 48% 12% 47% 39% 29% 21%
Textiles and apparel 26% 7% 14% 10% 5% 9%
Transport and automotive 41% 15% 23% 29% 14% 17%
Other manufacturing 34% 7% 15% 16% 15% 13%
Manufacturing sector Developed Africa
East
Asia
Latin
America
South
Asia
Rest of
Asia
Figure
Manufacturing integration, by sector and region, 2023
Per cent
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Manufacturing integration is calculated using the trade-weighted average of the intra-industry trade index,
based on the Grubel-Lloyd methods at the chapter level of the Harmonized System (HS) classification.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
37
For developed countries and East Asia,
trade networks are primarily regional,
with a high degree of integration
within their respective regions. In
contrast, trade networks in other
developing countries tend to be more
focused on extra-regional economies.
Figure provides detailed information
by comparing intra-industry trade at the
intra-regional and extra-regional levels. For
developed countries, intra-industry trade is
significantly higher within their own group
of economies compared to trade with
developing countries, often by a substantial
margin. This reflects the advanced
and tightly interlinked trade networks
among developed economies, driven by
similar levels of industrial development,
technological capabilities, and demand
structures. Similarly, East Asia exhibits
a strong tendency toward intra-regional
trade integration in production networks.
The region’s industries are substantially
more interconnected within East Asia than
with the economies of other regions. This
highlights East Asia’s deeply integrated
supply chains and regional specialization. In
contrast, manufacturing industries in other
developing regions are more integrated
with extra-regional partners than with
their regional neighbours. This pattern
underscores the weaker trade linkages
within these regions and their reliance on
global markets. Exceptions to this trend
are few and largely related to iron and
steel and textiles and apparel sectors.
Chemical products 20% -5% 17% 6% -13% 3%
Electrical machinery 28% -5% 18% -3% 6% 4%
Iron and steel 16% 26% 12% 2% 82% 37%
Machinery 22% -6% 22% -7% -29% -8%
Other base metals 26% -4% 12% -10% 0% 10%
Plastics and rubber 25% -5% 9% 4% -7% 3%
Precision instruments 10% -6% 8% -5% -11% -11%
Textiles and apparel 38% 4% 17% 9% 8% -2%
Transport and automotive 19% -13% 1% 7% -10% -16%
Other manufacturing 30% 4% 12% -2% 4% 4%
Manufacturing sector Developed Africa
East
Asia
Latin
America
South
Asia
Rest
of Asia
Figure
Difference in manufacturing integration at the intra-regional relative to
extra-regional level (2023)
Percentage points difference
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UN Comtrade data.
Note: Manufacturing integration is calculated using the trade-weighted average of the intra-industry trade index,
based on the Grubel-Lloyd methods at the chapter level of the Harmonized System (HS) classification.
4
Trade indicators
©
A
d
o
b
e
S
to
ck
/
S
h
in
n
eP
ro
je
ct
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
41
4. Trade indicators
This section presents a series of trade indicators where the magnitude of the
indicator is represented by the shading of an economy on the world map. It
provides statistics for 2023 and in some instances changes from 2018.
Global trade in goods and services has experienced
robust growth since 2018. However, this upward
trend was not uniform across all economies. Figure
illustrates the annualized export growth over
the past five years, while Figure presents the
annualized import growth for the same period.
A few economies saw a decline in trade, with
reductions observed often in both exports and
imports. The decline in trade for these nations
was often linked to significant geopolitical or
domestic disruptions. For example, economies
involved in prolonged conflicts, political instability,
or international sanctions faced challenges in
maintaining trade relationships and market access.
Economic and fiscal crises also played an important
role in undermining trade for some economies.
Figure
Export performance and export competitiveness
a. Export growth in goods and services, 2018–2023
b. Import growth in goods and services, 2018–2023
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UNCTADStat data.
Note: Import and export growth in goods and services is calculated as the percentage change in trade values over the period from
2018 to 2023.
Very positive (more than 25%)
Positive (5% to 25%)
No growth (-5% to 5%)
Negative (-10% to -5%)
Very negative (more than -10%)
No data
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
42
Smaller economies often display a
disproportionately large share of trade
relative to their gross domestic product,
underscoring their dependence on
external markets for economic growth
and development. Figure shows imports
of goods and services as a percentage of
gross domestic product (GDP), while Figure
presents the same statistic for exports.
This tendency is particularly evident in many
of the economies of Eastern Europe, Africa,
and Southeast Asia. However, the underlying
reasons for this trend can vary significantly
reflecting economic structures and integration
into global trade networks. For instance, for
Eastern Europe and East Asia, the high trade-
to-GDP ratio is predominantly driven by deep
integration into regional and global value chains.
The interconnectedness of these economies
with their regional partners amplifies their trade
volumes relative to their overall economic output.
In contrast, Africa’s elevated trade-to-GDP ratio
arises from a different set of dynamics. Many
African nations remain heavily dependent on
imports of energy products, manufactured goods,
and food products to meet domestic needs and
drive economic activity. Limited industrialization
and reliance on agricultural exports or resource
extraction make these economies more reliant on
external markets for both imports and exports.
Figure
Import and export propensities
a. Imports of goods and services over gross domestic product, 2023
b. Exports of goods and services over gross domestic product, 2023
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UNCTADStat data.
Note: Import and export propensities are computed as the value of imports or exports divided by current GDP. The import
propensity expresses the proportion of income spent on imports. The export propensity shows the overall degree of reliance
of domestic producers on foreign markets. Higher values imply greater dependence on foreign demand.
Very high (more than 50%)
High (30% to 50%)
Moderate (20% to 30%)
Low (10% to 20%)
Very low (less than 10%)
No data
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
43
While some economies rely on agriculture
and energy for export earnings, many
depend on international trade to meet their
food and energy needs. Figure shows net
food positions, and Figure shows net energy
positions. International trade allows countries with
resource shortages to import essential goods like
food and energy, supporting their populations and
economies. Meanwhile, resource-rich countries
rely on exports to generate revenue and ensure
economic stability. This creates a global system
of supply and demand for these important
commodities. Economies in Latin America and
South Asia are generally net food exporters
due to strong agricultural sectors. In contrast,
most of Asia and Africa are net food importers,
reflecting constraints of limited arable land and
high population pressures. Energy trade patterns
also vary by region. Europe and many nations
in East and South Asia are significant energy
importers, reliant on external sources to fuel their
economies. Conversely, West and Central Asia,
along with parts of Africa and the Americas,
are net energy exporters, leveraging abundant
reserves of oil, gas, and other resources.
Figure
Food and energy net positions
a. Food net position, 2023
b. Energy net position, 2023
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UNCTADStat and COMTRADE data.
Note: The food net position is computed as a country’s exports minus its imports of agricultural products. It is then
normalized by dividing it by agricultural trade (imports plus exports). The index varies between -1 and 1, with positive values
meaning that the country exports more agricultural products than it imports. The energy net position is computed in the
same manner.
Very high surplus ( to 1)
High surplus ( to )
Neutral ( to )
High deficit ( to )
Very high deficit (-1 to )
No data
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
44
For most developing countries in Africa
and Latin America, export baskets are
heavily reliant on natural resources and
agricultural commodities. Meanwhile, their
manufacturing sectors remain minimally
integrated with global trade networks.
Figure illustrates export dependence on
primary products, while Figure provide a
measure of integration into manufacturing trade
networks. Many countries’ export compositions
reflect heavy reliance on primary products,
indicating resource wealth but also often a lack of
success in diversifying economies or leveraging
trade for manufacturing and technological
advancement. This is particularly evident for
most African and Latin American countries, and
for some economies in Asia. In contrast, most
developed countries and developing economies
in South and East Asia exhibit a fundamentally
different trade structure. These economies are
not characterized by commodity dependence.
Instead, their manufacturing sectors are
deeply integrated with both regional and global
partners, as evidenced by high intra-industry
trade index scores. Such robust integration
enables these economies to actively participate
in global value chains, enhancing their economic
resilience and fostering sustained growth
through increased productivity and innovation.
Figure
Commodity dependence and manufacturing integration
a. Export dependence on primary products, 2023
b. Integration in trade networks, 2023
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UNCTADStat and COMTRADE data.
Note: Commodity dependence is measured as the share of a country’s exports comprising primary agricultural
products (exceeding 15 per cent) and natural resources (exceeding 20 per cent). Manufacturing integration is
calculated using the trade-weighted average of the intra-industry trade index, based on the Grubel-Lloyd index at
the chapter level of the Harmonized System (HS) classification.
High integration
Limited integration
Minimal integration
No integration
No data
No dependence
Natural resources dependence
Natural resources and
agriculture dependence
Agriculture dependence
No data The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
45
Exports of many developing countries are
often characterized by limited diversification,
with their exports concentrated in a
small range of products and destinations.
Figure provides an illustration of export
diversification in terms of the number of
products exported, and Figure shows
diversification patterns in terms of number of
destination markets. Poor diversification often
leaves economies highly susceptible to external
shocks, such as commodity price fluctuations
or changes in demand from their primary
trade partners. For example, many African
countries primarily export raw materials like oil
and minerals, or agricultural commodities to a
limited number of trading partners, leaving their
economies vulnerable to disruptions in these
markets. Only a limited number of developing
countries have achieved levels of export
diversification similar to those of developed
economies. These diversified economies benefit
from exporting a wider range of products and
leveraging well-established trade networks,
which reduces their dependence on any single
market or commodity. Regional dynamics
can also strongly influence the diversification
patterns of export-reliant nations. For instance,
economies in North America and East Asia tend
to exhibit high product diversification but lower
destination diversification, as their exports are
often tied to major regional economies through
integrated supply chains and trade agreements.
Figure
Export diversification
a. Export diversification index by product, 2023
b. Export diversification index by destination, 2023
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on COMTRADE data.
Note: Diversification of exports is measured by the Hirschmann–Herfindahl index where lower values reflect higher
diversification. It indicates the degree to which a country’s exports are dispersed across different destinations or different
goods (at the HS 6-digit level). Low diversification is interpreted as an indication of vulnerability since an exporter being
limited to a small number of export markets or goods is more exposed to economic shocks
Highest (0 to )
High ( to )
Moderate ( to )
Low ( to )
Lowest ( to 1)
No data
Highest (0 to )
High ( to )
Moderate ( to )
Low ( to )
Lowest ( to 1)
No data
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Key statistics and trends in international trade 2024
Trade growth amid volatility and ongoing uncertainties
46
A country’s export profile often reflects its
economic development. Wealthier economies
typically export more sophisticated goods,
while developing countries tend to focus on
less complex products, such as raw materials
and agricultural goods. Figure provides an
indicator of the sophistication of a country’s export
basket, which reflects the complexity and value-
added nature of the goods it exports. On the other
hand, Figure compares the sophistication of a
country’s export basket with that of other economies
at a similar level of economic development, offering
a relative benchmark. Countries whose export
baskets are more sophisticated than anticipated for
their economic stage tend to have more advanced
and diversified economies. These economies
often experience broader and faster economic
development, driven by the ability to move beyond
primary products and invest in manufacturing,
technology, and innovation, leading to higher levels of
industrialization and economic growth. For instance,
the exports of many East Asian economies show
a level of sophistication level that far exceeds what
would typically be expected given their stage of
development. On the other hand, some regions,
including the Middle East and South America, as
well as certain developed economies that rely heavily
on primary product exports, have less sophisticated
export baskets relative to their level of development.
Figure
Export sophistication and the export sophistication gap
a. Export sophistication, 2023
b. Export sophistication gap, 2023
Source: UNCTAD calculations based on UNCTADStat and COMTRADE data.
Note: Export sophistication is measured by the EXPY index. Countries with a higher EXPY are those that export goods that are more
sophisticated (as measured by the PRODY index). The export sophistication gap measures the gap between the EXPY and GDP per
capita of a country. A positive gap implies an export structure that is more sophisticated than the country’s GDP per capita would
predict. Conversely, a negative gap implies an export structure that is more typical of countries at a lower level of development.
Much more sophisticated (>)
More sophisticated ( to )
Similar sophistication ( to )
Less sophisticated ( to )
Much less sophisticated (<)
No data
Very high (>25,000)
High (20,000 to 25,000)
Moderate (15,000 to 20,000)
Low (10,000 to 15,000)
Very low (0 to 10,000)
No data The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map
do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Technical and statistical report
U N I T E D N AT I O N S C O N F E R E N C E O N T R A D E A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
Trade growth amid volatility
and ongoing uncertainties
Key statistics and trends
in international trade 2024
Printed at United Nations, Geneva
2508664 (E) – June 2025 – 180
UNCTAD/DITC/TAB/2025/2
United Nations publication
Sales No.
ISBN 978-92-1-003536-1
