Goods trade up 1% in first quarter of 2024: WTO

World merchandise trade volume increased by 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, with a 1.4 per cent rise from the same period in 2023, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Despite Europe experiencing a decline, most regions contributed to the increase. The WTO predicts a 2.7 per cent growth in trade volume for 2024 if the current expansion pace continues.