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WTO predictions for 2023

The global economy has massively shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic. It has yet to recover, and it looks as though a full recovery won’t happen anytime soon, especially with the effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Many countries are experiencing financial crises because of this.

The WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has stated that the economy is in crisis and that 2023 looks “much bleaker.” As the war in Ukraine continues, disturbances to global trade look set to continue for a long time to come.

Conflict in Europe has seriously affected the global economy and international trade. Its main effect is the increase in the cost of doing business – as well as driving global inflation. It means trade growth has gone up in value – with an increase to $7.7 trillion during the first quarter of 2022 (according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) – however, demand has slowed due to the rising prices.

Growth in trade volume

According to the WTO report, the cost of trading dramatically rose in the first quarter of 2022, particularly in the energy sector. After the war began in Ukraine, fuel prices have soared, making trade energy prices far more expensive around the globe.

The WTO also reported that 2023 would see slower economic growth due to inflation, debt sustainability, and soaring interest rates. There are also issues with supply chains and regionalisation, which have had a significant impact on global prices, contributing to this crisis. The WTO even said there might be a fall from 2.4 to 3% for world trade growth.

Everyone, including families and businesses, will feel these economic difficulties, as it makes energy and food prices much higher than before.

WTO predictions for 2023

The WTO predicts that there will have been an increase of 3.5% in the volume of world trade in 2022 (in comparison to 2021). As well as that, they predict that 2023 will only see 1% of economic growth rather than the previously expected 3.4%. This change occurred due to the enormous, ongoing rise of energy and food worldwide.

This predicted decline would affect economies worldwide, particularly in Europe, the US, and China. Europe will experience higher and higher energy prices, significantly impacting households and businesses. In the United States, it is expected that capital investment and the housing market will be affected. In addition, with China still trying to manage outbreaks of COVID, they will see a continuation of production disruptions.

In developing countries, there may also be issues with debt and food shortages.

What can businesses do about it?

This stunt in economic growth will affect everyone – particularly those looking to do business overseas as international trading is more expensive than ever. At Go Exporting, we support businesses of all sizes to grow into new international markets to either maintain sales or grow profits. Learn more about how we help organisations just like yours to open a world of opportunities through our international trade consultancy services here.

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Lower appetite for British food and drink in EU

Since officially leaving the EU, the UK has seen exports reduce by a quarter, with a total of £2.4 billion in lost sales. Certain countries have seen more of a dip than others. For example, Spain, Germany, and Italy’s imports from Britain are down by 50.6%, 44.5%, and 43.3%, respectively. Even Ireland has seen a significant decline, which is particularly worrying, as it was Britain’s largest country for food exporting.

All of this means a severe impact on Britain’s economy, something which recent data from the ONS has highlighted in stark reality.

Brexit’s impact on food and beverage exports

With Britain no longer working under the EU’s trading policies, trade isn’t as simple. With more barriers in place, there are increased costs, meaning countries in the EU aren’t as willing to import.

The TCA – the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation – was a free trade agreement signed on 30th December 2020, which became into effect on 1st January 2021. This agreement saw the tightening of rules and detailed all the customs requirements and restrictions.

This has particularly affected the food and drink sectors with more red tape increasing costs and causing delays at ports.

Brexit is not entirely at fault, though – the COVID pandemic has also had a significant impact on food and drink exports too.

OBR on the post-Brexit economy

The TCA changed everything in terms of trading between Britain and the EU. Before, it was almost entirely free trade; now, different policies are leading to a reduction in activity. While there was a notable rise in food and drink exports to non-EU countries (11%), that growth did not make up for the loss of trade into the EU.

The OBR stated that Brexit equalled a reduction of 4% of the UK’s potential GPD, which is significant. It also said that the pandemic has had a severe impact and could further that by another 2%.

“The OBR observed that the UK’s goods trade with the rest of the world experienced similarly sharp falls at the start of the pandemic.”

These observations indicate that UK businesses are struggling with exporting, trading, and overall economic growth. It’s affecting everyone, but if you’re a trader, you are likely to be looking for a solution. You can still grow internationally by thinking strategically, adapting your methods, and finding new markets.

Create an export strategy with Go Exporting

Whilst Brexit has hampered trade with the EU, there are opportunities for UK firms to grow through Brexit growing pains by looking further afield. 

Our international trade consultancy can help identify new markets to grow into. We have an expert team ready to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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