Exports may be muted as WTO warns of growth slowdown in global trade

Exports had recovered 5 per cent in September after months of contraction.

In what could have an adverse impact on India’s exports, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned the growth rate in global merchandise trade is likely to slow down during October-December this year as several countries impose fresh lockdowns in light of the second wave of Covid-19.

“... growth in (global trade) is likely to slow in the fourth quarter (October-December, or Q4) as pent-up demand is exhausted and inventory restocking is completed,” the WTO said in its latest report.

It said trade-related uncertainty remains high. “A second wave of Covid-19 infection is already underway in Europe and North America, leading to