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June 3, 2010

First quarter of 2010 sees world trade value rise by about 25%

The value of world merchandise trade was around 25% higher in the first three months of 2010 than in the same period of 2009, according to World Trade Organization (WTO) figures released this week. Global exports rose by 27%, while imports rose slightly less, at 24%.

Available monthly statistics for about 70 economies representing about 90% of world trade show that merchandise trade declined in January and February 2010, then rose sharply in March.

Canada' exports increased by 24% in this first quarter while the United States' exports rose by 20%. The European Union saw a rise of 18% in its exports to the world.

Fuelled by Asia's demand and commodity prices, exports of Africa, the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States were more than 50% higher than in the corresponding period of 2009.