❖ WTO revised downwards its projection of world merchandise trade growth to 3 per cent in 2025, from its earlier estimate of 3.3 per cent.

❖ For 2024, the WTO revised upwards its forecast for merchandise trade growth to 2.7 per cent, up from the previous estimate of 2.6 per cent.

❖ The first half of 2024 saw 2.3 per cent year-on-year increase.

❖ Europe has continued to weigh heavily on global merchandise trade in 2024.

❖ Singapore, Malaysia and other Asian economies, including India and Vietnam, show stronger growth.