Global trade in medical supplies grew by 29% year-on-year, the Secretariat of the World Trade Organization (WTO) reported today (22.12.2020). Thus, the exchange played an important role in meeting the growing demand for products considered critical in the COVID-19 pandemic, such as disinfectants of all kinds, masks, gloves, pulse oximeters, syringes, thermometers and ventilators.
La WTO briefing note presents preliminary trade statistics for 97 economies and compares data from January to June 2020 with the same period in 2019. Along these lines, it indicates that Imports and exports of medical products increased by 16% in the first half of the year, reaching a value of 1.139 billion dollars.
While trade in goods fell by 14% in the first half of the year, Mask imports increased by 90% y China was the main supplier, representing 56% of global exports, the WTO notes.
The Asian country sold three times more health products than in 2019 and earned $55 billion, according to the agency.
The main buyers of medical supplies in the context of COVID-19 recorded a double-digit increase in their imports compared to 2019, and this was clearly evident in countries such as France, whose purchases rose by 62%, and Italy, with a 52% increase.
Overall, the WTO estimates a 9,2% drop in trade in 2020; despite the uncertainty of the economic recovery, the world body estimates a 2021% increase in trade volume for 7,2.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
