About UNCTAD Statistics

Statistics is an inherent part of UNCTAD. Being the United Nations’ focal point
for the integrated treatment of trade and development and the interrelated issues
in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development,
UNCTAD compiles, validates and processes a wide range of data collected from
national and international sources. Most of the time series cover long periods, with
some dating back to 1948, for almost all economies of the world. This allows
making an analysis of emerging and most urgent issues within a framework of long-
lasting tendencies and wide geographical scope. In case of missing data or break in
series, UNCTAD applies its expertise and methodology to make estimates. Such
continuity together with accurateness and timeliness are the pillars of statistics
that UNCTAD always pursue.

UNCTAD’s statistical work is in conformity with the Principles Governing

International Statistical Activities, to which formulation and reinforcement
UNCTAD has significantly contributed.

UNCTAD produces more than 150 indicators and statistical time series essential
for the analysis of:

 International trade
 Economic trends
 Foreign direct investment
 External financial resources
 Population and labor force
 Commodities
 Information economy
 Maritime transport.
Statistics at a glance

World seaborne trade continues its expansion with developing

countries contributing larger shares

In 2012 and for the first time on UNCTAD’s record, the volume of international
trade carried by sea surpassed the 9 billion tons mark. Estimated at 4.3 per cent,
growth in international seaborne trade during the year outpaced growth in the
world economy. A rise in China’s domestic demand as well as increased intra-Asian
and other South–South trade flows have been the main force driving the
expansion.

In line with recent trends, developing countries continue to contribute larger

shares to both growth and volume of seaborne merchandise trade. In 2012, 60 per
cent of world seaborne exports and 58 per cent of imports have been, respectively
loaded and unloaded in developing countries’ ports. But contributions by individual
countries remain uneven, reflecting their varying levels of integration into global
trading networks and supply chains.

Asia dominates as the main loading and unloading region while Africa is increasingly
attracting attention as a region with significant potential for investment, growth
and seaborne trade.

Participation of developing countries in world seaborne trade, selected years

(percentage share in world tonnage)