Surge in world trade in second quarter

The value of world merchandise
trade rose around 25% in the first
six months of 2010, up strongly
from the same period in 2009,
according to figures released by
the World Trade Organisation.
This surge in trade growth
marks a continuation of the trend
begun in the first quarter of the
year, according to the figures.
World merchandise exports
increased by approximately 7%
in the second quarter of 2010
compared to the first quarter.
Volumes declined in April and
May 2010, then rose again in
June.
Asian exports and imports
both rose by more than 35%
in the second quarter of 2010
compared to 2009 while exports
from Africa and the Middle East
were 35% higher than in the
corresponding period of 2009,
fuelled by demand in Asia and
the US, and higher commodity
prices.
The Commonwealth of
Independent States (former
members of the Soviet Union)
posted a buoyant 44% export
growth. Similarly, extra-EU trade
(external trade between the EU
and the rest of the world) was
more dynamic than trade within
the EU.