Merchandise trade (% of GDP)
Countries By Merchandise trade (% of GDP)
Key points
- Merchandise trade (% of GDP) measures the total value of a country's exports and imports in relation to its GDP, providing insight into the economy's openness to international trade.
- Singapore has the highest merchandise trade (% of GDP) at 198.73%, indicating a strong dependence on trade for its economic performance.
- Conversely, Cuba has the lowest merchandise trade (% of GDP) at 8.32%, suggesting a more closed economy with limited international trade activity.
- The average merchandise trade (% of GDP) across the listed countries is 60.01%, demonstrating the overall significance of trade in the global economy.
- Countries with high values like Singapore, Slovenia, and Slovakia have economies heavily reliant on trade, while those with lower values like Cuba and Haiti may have more self-contained economies.
Official Definition of Merchandise trade (% of GDP)
Merchandise trade as a share of GDP is the sum of merchandise exports and imports divided by the value of GDP, all in current U.S. dollars.
Importance
The Merchandise trade (% of GDP) statistic is crucial for a country as it reflects the nation's degree of integration into the global economy.
A low value of Merchandise trade (% of GDP) may indicate a more closed economy with limited international trade. This could imply potential inefficiencies in resource allocation, reduced access to diverse goods and services, and vulnerability to domestic market fluctuations.
On the other hand, a high value of Merchandise trade (% of GDP) signifies a more open economy with extensive international trade relations. Countries with a high value of this statistic often benefit from economies of scale, increased competition leading to efficiency gains, and access to a broader market for their goods and services. However, such high dependency on international trade can also expose a country to external shocks and risks associated with global market instability.
Top 10 Countries by Merchandise trade (% of GDP)
Bottom 10 Countries by Merchandise trade (% of GDP)
Regions
Europe
Merchandise trade (% of GDP) reveals a diverse landscape among the listed countries. Slovenian, Czech, and Slovakian economies lead with trade constituting over 150% of their GDP, signifying strong global integration. Meanwhile, Montenegro and Greece exhibit more insular economies, with trade accounting for just over half of their GDP. High trade dependency can offer resilience through diversified markets, as seen in Austria and Lithuania; however, it also poses risks during global shocks, as evidenced in Moldova and Russia. Overall, this statistic underscores the varying degrees of globalization, resilience, and vulnerability present in these economies, shaping their development paths and susceptibility to global economic fluctuations.
Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia
The merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP varies significantly among the selected countries. Singapore stands out with a remarkably high figure of 198.73%, indicating a heavy reliance on international trade. Cambodia and Vietnam also show high values at 142.35% and 157.33% respectively, reflecting their export-oriented economies. On the other hand, Japan and China have lower percentages, 25.25% and 31.70% respectively, due to their diverse economies and strong domestic markets. While high trade percentages can boost economic growth through increased market access, they also expose countries to external shocks. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of countries like Singapore and Malaysia to global market fluctuations, while Japan and China may benefit from a more balanced approach.
ASEAN
Merchandise trade (% of GDP) for Brunei is at 99.54%, indicating heavy reliance on trade for economic growth. Cambodia follows at 142.35%, highlighting a high level of trade openness. Singapore leads significantly at 198.73%, showcasing a highly trade-oriented economy. These countries benefit from access to global markets but are vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in global trade. Brunei and Cambodia may face challenges in diversification, while Singapore enjoys robust economic resilience but is exposed to global market volatility. For all countries, maintaining a balance between international trade and domestic production is crucial for sustainable economic development.
Latin America
Merchandise trade (% of GDP) is a crucial macroeconomic indicator that showcases the openness of a country's economy. Nicaragua leads among the listed countries with a high percentage of 90.42%, indicating heavy reliance on international trade, potentially exposing it to external shocks. Honduras and El Salvador follow closely, at 75.27% and 58.93% respectively, displaying a significant dependence on trade. Meanwhile, Cuba stands at a lower 8.32%, reflecting a more closed economy. High trade ratios, like those of Nicaragua and Honduras, can indicate economic vitality but also vulnerability to global market fluctuations. In contrast, lower ratios, like that of Cuba, suggest economic insulation but limited growth opportunities through trade.
Middle East
Merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP varies among the listed countries with United Arab Emirates having the highest value at 166.61% and Egypt the lowest at 22.67%. Countries with high values like UAE, Oman, and Bahrain heavily rely on international trade for economic growth, showcasing economic openness and potential vulnerability to global market fluctuations. In contrast, countries like Egypt and Yemen may have a more self-sufficient economy but could miss out on the benefits of global trade. While high trade percentages can boost economic growth, they also pose risks during global economic downturns. Each country must carefully balance its trade dependence to ensure sustainable development and mitigate external shocks.
Rivals
Anglosphere v BRICS
Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have relatively high levels of merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP, indicating their strong reliance on international trade. South Africa and the United Kingdom also show high levels, while the United States, Brazil, and India have lower percentages, suggesting a more domestically focused economy. China and Russia fall in between. The advantages of high merchandise trade ratios include increased access to foreign markets and diversification, but this can also make the countries vulnerable to global economic changes. Lower ratios may signify a more self-sufficient economy but could indicate limited global competitiveness. Overall, this statistic reflects each country's economic openness and resilience in the face of global trade dynamics.
Russia v Ukraine
The merchandise trade (% of GDP) for the Russian Federation stands at 38.42%, while Ukraine has a much higher percentage of 66.10%. This indicates that Ukraine is more heavily reliant on international trade of goods compared to Russia. The advantage for Ukraine is increased economic integration and potential for growth through trade, while the disadvantage could be vulnerability to global market fluctuations. For Russia, a lower percentage implies more self-sustainability but could also indicate less economic diversification. This statistic's impact on development suggests that Ukraine may experience faster economic growth but also higher susceptibility to external economic influences, whereas Russia may have more economic stability but potentially slower growth due to limited global market engagement.
France v United Kingdom
In terms of merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP, France stands at 40.41% while the United Kingdom is slightly lower at 38.47%. France's higher ratio indicates a relatively larger reliance on international trade compared to the United Kingdom. For France, this may imply greater exposure to global market fluctuations but also signifies a diversified export base. On the other hand, the United Kingdom's slightly lower ratio suggests a more balanced economy but with potentially less global market integration. Overall, a high ratio can boost economic growth through access to larger markets but also poses risks during economic downturns, whereas a lower ratio signifies more domestic stability but might limit growth opportunities.
Israel v Iran
Iran has a higher Merchandise trade (% of GDP) at 35.74% compared to Israel's 28.89%. This indicates that Iran is more heavily reliant on international trade of goods in relation to its GDP than Israel. The advantage for Iran is the potential for economic growth through increased trade activities, while the disadvantage lies in vulnerability to global market fluctuations. For Israel, a lower percentage implies less exposure to external economic risks but could hinder potential economic expansion. This statistic suggests that both countries are integrated into the global economy, but Iran faces higher risks and rewards in terms of economic development compared to Israel.
Saudi Arabia v Iran
Iran has a merchandise trade (% of GDP) of 35.7%, indicating a significant portion of its economy relies on international trade. In contrast, Saudi Arabia's percentage stands higher at 42.5%, depicting a heavier reliance on foreign trade compared to Iran. Iran benefits from diversification in trade partners, potentially reducing vulnerability to global economic fluctuations. However, a lower percentage suggests Iran may be less integrated into the global economy than Saudi Arabia. For Saudi Arabia, a higher percentage signals a more open economy but also a higher exposure to international market risks. This statistic reflects the countries' development strategies, with Iran possibly focusing more on domestic consumption and self-sustainability, while Saudi Arabia emphasizes global trade for economic growth.
India v Pakistan
India and Pakistan both have significant levels of merchandise trade relative to their GDP, with India at 24.32% and Pakistan at 22.57%. India's higher percentage indicates a relatively higher dependency on international trade, which can bring benefits such as access to a wider market and potential for economic growth but also exposes the economy to global market fluctuations. In contrast, Pakistan's slightly lower percentage suggests a slightly lower reliance on trade, providing some insulation from external shocks but potentially limiting potential growth opportunities. For both countries, maintaining a balance in trade relations and diversifying markets will be crucial for sustainable development and reducing vulnerability to external economic changes.
Turkey v Greece
In terms of merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP, Greece stands at 48.37% while Turkey's value is notably higher at 54.02%. Turkey surpasses Greece in this aspect, indicating a greater reliance on foreign trade for its economic activity. Turkey's higher percentage implies a more open economy and potentially broader market reach compared to Greece. However, this can also increase Turkey's vulnerability to global market fluctuations and trade disruptions. On the other hand, Greece's lower percentage suggests a relatively more balanced economy or stronger domestic market focus, providing stability but possibly limiting growth opportunities. The impact of this statistic on development varies; while Turkey may benefit from diversification and access to global markets, Greece's focus on domestic consumption could offer resilience during external shocks.
China v Japan
In terms of Merchandise trade (% of GDP), China, People's Republic of holds a value of 31.70% while Japan stands at 25.25%. China's higher percentage indicates a greater dependency on international trade for its economic activity compared to Japan. This reflects China's extensive manufacturing base and position as a global exporter. However, such reliance can expose China to fluctuations in global trade conditions. On the other hand, Japan's slightly lower ratio suggests a more balanced economy with lesser dependence on trade. While Japan may be less vulnerable to trade disruptions, it could potentially miss out on growth opportunities from global commerce. Overall, for China, this statistic signifies both economic strength through exports and vulnerability to external factors. Conversely, for Japan, it indicates a more diversified economy but with potentially slower growth prospects from international trade.
FAQs
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Which country has the most Merchandise trade (% of GDP)?
Singapore has the highest Merchandise trade (% of GDP) at 198.73%.
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Which country has the least Merchandise trade (% of GDP)?
Cuba has the least Merchandise trade (% of GDP) at 8.32%.
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What is the average Merchandise trade (% of GDP) among the listed countries?
The average Merchandise trade (% of GDP) among the listed countries is 60.01%.