WTO warns of global trade slowdown as indicator hits 9-year low

A reading below 100 signals below-trend growth in trade, based on World Trade Organization’s indicator. (FIle/AFP)

• The WTO’s quarterly outlook indicator showed a reading of 96.3, the weakest since March 2010
• A reading below 100 signals below-trend growth in trade

GENEVA: A quarterly leading indicator of world merchandise trade slumped to its lowest reading in nine years on Tuesday, which should put policymakers on guard for a sharper slowdown if trade tensions continue, the World Trade Organization said on Tuesday.
The WTO’s quarterly outlook indicator, a composite of seven drivers of trade, showed a reading of 96.3, the weakest since March 2010 and down from 98.6 in November. A reading below 100 signals below-trend growth in trade.