The World Trade Organization said the global merchandise trade rebounded strongly in the third quarter after plunging amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Goods Trade Barometer, a real-time gauge of trends in global trade, rose to 100.7 in the third quarter from 84.5 registered last August.
The index reading greater than 100 suggests above-trend growth, while those below 100 indicate below-trend growth.
The indicator signaled a strong rebound in trade in the third quarter as lockdowns were eased, but growth is likely to slow in the fourth quarter as pent-up demand is exhausted and inventory restocking is completed.
The WTO observed that renewed lockdowns in Europe and North America could lead to another round of [business][1] closures and financial distress.
According to WTO forecast, world merchandise trade volume will fall 9.2 percent this year. This outcome would require a sharp rebound in the third quarter, following the 17.2 percent annual decline registered in the second quarter.
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