A. M. 
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported sustained growth in world merchandise trade during 2024. In volume terms, trade increased by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter and 3.3% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of moderate growth. These figures reflect a gradual improvement in global trade dynamics following the economic challenges of recent years.
Merchandise trade measured in U.S. dollars also showed a notable increase. In the third quarter, year-over-year growth was 4.3%, up from 1.8% in the previous quarter and leaving behind the 1.4% contraction seen at the beginning of 2024. This performance underscores a more robust recovery compared to the beginning of the year.
Although the value of merchandise trade grew by 1.6% over 2023, the increase was slower than that of volume. This suggests a slight decrease in the prices of traded goods, less than 1%. This trend could be related to a stabilization in production and transportation costs, as well as an adjustment in global demand.
The recovery in trade can be attributed to several factors, such as the reactivation of supply chains, increased consumption in key markets and greater geopolitical stability in certain regions. In addition, more favorable trade policies in some economies have contributed to this sustained growth.
Looking ahead to the coming quarters, global merchandise trade faces both opportunities and challenges. Although recent figures are encouraging, factors such as global economic uncertainty and potential trade tensions could influence the pace of growth. Nevertheless, the current outlook points to a moderate but steady recovery in 2024.
