WTO raises global merchandise trade growth estimate to 3.6% for 2017

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has raised its estimate for growth in world merchandise trade volume for this year to 3.6%. The previous estimate for 2017 was 2.4%, although this was set within a range of between 1.8% and 3.6%, reflecting the high level of economic and policy uncertainty.  The new estimate puts the focus on the top end of that range. Growth of 3.6% would represent a substantial improvement on the lacklustre 1.3% growth in 2016.