Brasília – After weak performance in foreign trade in 2012, due to the impacts of the international economic crisis, mainly in some European countries, this year is beginning with a tendency for slow growth. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has cut its forecast for 2013. The projection, according to the WTO, is for growth to remain at a moderate level of around 3.3% this year.
Growth in global trade dropped to 2 % in 2012, as against 5.2% in 2011. In a document disclosed by the organisation, observers warn that the effects of the crisis in 2012 should be evaluated as a warning of the fragility of the global economy. The priority should be to “repair” the fragility, according to the organisation.
The strong deceleration in trade last year was attributed to slow growth of developed economies and to repeated episodes of uncertainty regarding the future of the euro. In the WTO’s evaluation, growth of China should remain fastest as against other great economies, thus reducing the possible impact of deceleration.
Exports, however, remain limited due to the weak demand in Europe. According to WTO observers, 2013 seems destined to be a repetition of 2012, with slow expansion in trade and production, below the long-term average.
*Translated by Mark Ament
