World seaborne trade up 3.8% in 2013
Reflecting halting growth in the world economy, world seaborne
shipments grew by an average of 3.8 percent in 2013, UNCTAD's Review of
Maritime Transport 2014 reported.
Much of the expansion in seaborne trade was driven by growth in dry
cargo flows, in particular bulk commodities.
As in previous issues, the Review of Maritime Transport 2014 report
contains critical analyses and unique data, including long-term data
series, on seaborne trade, fleet capacity, shipping services and
port-handling activities.
The new review features a special chapter that sheds light on the
transport and trade logistics challenges faced by the small island
developing states (SIDS) worldwide, in recognition of 2014 being United
Nations' Year of SIDS.
Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and the
global economy. Around 80 percent of global trade by volume and over 70
percent of global trade by value are carried by sea and are handled by
ports worldwide.
These shares are even higher in most developing countries. |