WTO Cuts Trade Forecast, Sees Rising Protectionism

IndustryWeek (7/1, AFP) – Trading volumes of developed economies are now expected to shrink by 14% while those of developing economies contract 7%...The trade organization also raised renewed concerns over stimulus programs put in place by governments in a bid to lift economies out of the recession. It said that there is "very limited information that is available publicly" on these programs, therefore, it is difficult to assess how these measures could distort markets and competition.