The Handbook of Statistics is an essential resource for understanding global trade and development trends.
In today’s uncertain economic landscape, it provides decision makers with reliable, timely data needed to shape policies and strategies for a more inclusive, sustainable economy.
This year, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) launched Data Insights, a live version of the handbook offering constantly updated data and analysis to track key indicators as they evolve.
International trade
Global trade in 2023 showed contrasting trends. Merchandise exports fell sharply, while trade in services surged, led by a rebound in travel and growth in digitally deliverable services.
Key stats
- Global merchandise exports fell 4.3% to $23.8 trillion, with a sharper decline in developing economies (-6.2%) than developed ones (-2.8%). Africa saw the steepest drop (-9.8%), importing nearly three times more manufactured goods than it exported.
- South-South trade in goods contracted by 7% to $5.7 trillion. Trade between developing countries was 24% of the global total, up from 15% in 2005.
- Global services exports rose 8.3% to $7.9 trillion, driven by growth in travel (34%) and services that can be delivered digitally (over 8%), such as financial and business services. The United States remained the top services exporter, capturing 13% of the global market.
- Asian economies exported 56% of the Global South’s services, with China leading with $381 billion in exports.
Economic trends
Global economic growth slowed in 2023. Developing economies grew faster but faced challenges including trade surplus declines and falling foreign direct investment (FDI).
Key stats
- Global GDP growth slowed to 2.7%, down from 3.1% in 2022. Developing economies outpaced developed ones, growing at 4.1% compared to 1.7%.
- Large disparities in GDP per capita persisted. Most developed economies exceeded $30,000 per capita, while many African economies remained below $1,000. Most economies in developing Asia and the Americas surpassed $3,000.
- Global FDI fell 2% to $1.33 trillion. Developing economies saw a sharper 7% decline, but the least developed countries defied the trend, growing 17% to $31 billion.
- Commodity prices dropped nearly 24% after peaking in 2022, driven by a 32.1% decline in fuel prices.
Population dynamics
World population growth in 2023 revealed contrasts with significant economic implications, including opportunities from growing working-age populations in some regions and challenges from aging populations in others.
Key stats
- Five out of six people (83%) lived in a developing economy, a share expected to reach 86% by 2050.
- Africa led global population growth at 2.3%, increasing its global share to 18.7%. Asia remained the most populous region (59.5% of the total), while Europe’s share declined to 9.5%.
- Urbanization accelerated worldwide, with 57.3% of people living in cities. Urbanization rates are generally higher in developed (79.9%) than developing (52.8%) economies. In LDCs, only 36.4% of people live in urban areas.
- Globally, for every 100 working-age people there were 54 dependents. Africa had the highest child dependency ratio (69%), while high-income economies had the lowest (45%), driven by rising old-age dependency.
Maritime transport
A cornerstone of world trade, moving over 80% of goods traded, maritime transport in 2023 saw volumes dip slightly, the global fleet expand and freight rates return to pre-pandemic levels after the record highs of 2021 and 2022.
Key statistics
- Developing economies drove global maritime trade volumes, loading 55% and unloading 70% of seaborne goods in 2021. Developing Asia led the way (42% loaded, 64% unloaded), cementing its role as a supply chain hub.
- The Global South’s maritime trade deficit reached 648 million tons in 2021, as developing economies discharged more cargo than they loaded – including bulk and containerized goods.
- Containerized trade contracted by 1.5%, reflecting weaker demand for manufactured goods.
- The global fleet grew by 3%, with developing economies owning 41%. Investments in bulk carriers and tankers highlighted ongoing demand for raw materials and energy products.
