Commodity exports to China could fall by $33.1 billion in 2020: UN Study

With China absorbing about one-fifth of world commodities' exports, such a drop in its imports would have a dramatic impact on producers of primary goods

Global commodity exports to China could plunge up to 46 per cent to $15.5 billion by $33.1 billion in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis, according to research by the UN trade body.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that the findings raise concerns for economies that rely on exports of primary goods, such as energy products, ores and grains.

The UNCTAD research found that the global exports of commodities to China could plunge by $15.5 to 33.1 dollars in 2020 a drop of up to 46 percent compared with annual growth projections before the coronavirus pandemic