Source: WTO.

World Exports of Merchandises, 1950-2005

Global trade has grown both in absolute and relative terms, particularly after 1995 where global exports surged in the wake of rapid industrialization in developing countries, particularly China. The value of global exports first exceeded $US 1 trillion in 1965 and by 2005, more than $US 10.3 trillions of merchandises were exported. During the same time period, the share of the world GDP accounted for exports almost doubled; from 7.6% to 14.7%. This trend is accompanied by a growth in international transportation. Some estimates place global trade at 28% of the global GDP in 2005, which combines imports and exports.

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