In a series of dynamic graphs, we explain some of the salient issues of international trade today.
RCEP: A new centre of gravity for global trade
Selected regional trade agreements
(by share of global GDP)
The new trade agreement between 15 East Asian and Pacific Nations is now the largest trading block with important effects for the world economy.
Fossil fuels: Trading in the wrong direction
World trade in fossil fuels, quantities
(Base year=2000)
When the world needs less fossil fuels, we are trading them more than ever.
International trade is back, but not for all
COVID-19 and trade growth
(Estimates for 2021)
While many countries enjoy double digit growth rates for their exports, recovery remains out of sight for the poorest and smallest economies.
Trade impacts of EU climate change mechanism
EU carbon border adjustment
(Top 10 potentially most-affected developing countries, by sector)
India, Kazakhstan, South Africa, China, Indonesia and Argentina are potentially the most affected by an EU carbon border adjustment.
COVID-19 impact on tourism
As tourism falls world GDP takes a hit in 2021
(3 alternative scenarios)
Despite an expected rebound in international tourism, UNCTAD and UNWTO project losses of between $1.7 trillion and $2.4 trillion in 2021.
Trade and food security
Trade dependence for basic food
(Ratio of basic food balance to total merchandise exports)
As global trade expanded, many poor countries increasingly specialized in export crops - at the expense of food security for their populations.
Carbon emissions: A per capita perspective
Top 10 CO2 emitters
(Per capita emissions)
Today, the world's top three emitters - China, the United States, and India - account for around 50% of global CO2 emissions. However, a per capita view offers an important perspective on the global CO2 challenge.
Evolution of the world's 25 top trading nations
Share of global exports of goods
(Percentage, 1978-2020)
Discover in less than one minute the evolution of the main trading nations of the world, from 1978 to 2020.
China: The rise of a trade titan
Share of global exports of goods (%)
(Leading economies 2020)
