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Global trade shows frail recovery in third quarter, but outlook remains uncertain

Global trade shows frail recovery in third quarter, but outlook remains uncertain

The value of world trade recorded a 5% drop in the third quarter of 2020 compared with the same period last year, marking an improvement on the 19% year-on-year plunge recorded in the second quarter. The timid recovery is expected to continue in the fourth quarter, with a preliminary forecast of -3% compared to the last quarter of 2019. But there are growing concerns about how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect economic activity in the coming months.

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Sustainable Development Goals

New portal tracks trade’s contribution to sustainable development

The SDG Trade Monitor offers a one-stop shop for users to obtain updated and disaggregated official data on global trade’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Handcrafted colorful lotus fabrics made from lotus fibers in Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar.

Myanmar shows great e-commerce promise in COVID-19 response

UNCTAD helps the southeast Asian nation develop a strategy to build on e-commerce growth in sectors such as food delivery, online retail and mobile payments.

An aerial view of deforestation, as rainforest is removed to make way for palm oil and rubber plantations

How biodiversity-friendly trade can support COVID-19 recovery

A new call to action urges countries to make BioTrade a lever for recovery and resilience in the wake of the pandemic.

Digital consumer

Countries focus on protecting consumers amid and after COVID-19

Stakeholders gather to share experiences and exchange information to advance the welfare of consumers in open markets.

Commentary and analysis

African school

Curbing illicit financial flows to finance sustainable development in Africa

By Paul Akiwumi, Director for Africa and Least Developed Countries, UNCTAD

A person become data

Why statistics and official data matter

By Steve MacFeely, Chief Statistician, UNCTAD

Upcoming event

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19 - 23 Oct 2020

Eighth United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection

Featured publications

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Global Trade Update (October 2020)

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Economic Development in Africa Report 2020

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Trade and Development Report 2020

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World Investment Report 2020

Our impact

Mineral tracking tool helps Zambia combat illicit financial flows

Mineral tracking tool helps Zambia combat illicit financial flows

An UNCTAD data evaluation tool helps the southern African nation recover an additional $1 million in export dues from mining companies in one year.

Ugandan e-commerce platforms power recovery from COVID-19 crisis

Ugandan e-commerce platforms power recovery from COVID-19 crisis

Partnerships with development agencies and government efforts to boost the digital economy are helping soften the economic blow of the pandemic.

Videos and podcasts

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