Trade by Region
Regional trade patterns reveal economic integration and opportunities. Asia dominates with 39% of global exports, while intra-regional trade strengthens worldwide.
Regional Trade Insights
Asia's Trade Dominance
Asia accounts for 39% of global merchandise exports ($9.5T in 2024), driven by China ($3.6T), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and ASEAN. Intra-Asian trade represents 58% of the region's total, reflecting deep supply chain integration through RCEP and bilateral FTAs.
Europe's Internal Market
Europe exports $6.8T (28% of global total), with 67% intra-regional due to EU Single Market. Germany ($1.7T), Netherlands, France, and Italy lead. Extra-EU trade focuses on US, China, UK post-Brexit. Services trade particularly strong.
Americas: North-South Divide
Americas account for 18% of global exports ($4.4T). US ($2.1T) dominates, followed by Canada and Mexico (USMCA integration). Latin America exports commodities and manufactures, with Brazil and Mexico leading. Intra-Americas trade: 52%.
Africa's Untapped Potential
Africa represents just 3.2% of global exports ($780B), despite 17% of world population. Dominated by commodities (oil, minerals, agriculture). Intra-African trade only 18%—lowest globally. AfCFTA launched 2021 aims to boost regional integration.
Global Exports by Region (2024)
Share of world merchandise exports (%)
Key Finding: Asia dominates with 39% of global exports, followed by Europe (28%), Americas (18%), Middle East (8%), Africa (3.2%), and other regions (3.8%). Asia's share grew from 28% in 2000 to 39% today.
Intra-Regional Trade Intensity (2024)
% of region's exports going to same region
Key Finding: Europe has highest intra-regional trade (67%) due to EU integration. Asia follows (58%) with RCEP/ASEAN. Americas at 52% (USMCA effect). Africa lowest (18%), highlighting integration gap AfCFTA aims to address.
Top Regional Exporters (2024)
Merchandise exports by leading country per region ($ trillions)
Key Finding: China ($3.6T) vastly exceeds all others, exporting more than Germany and Japan combined. Regional leaders: US (Americas), Germany (Europe), UAE (Middle East), South Africa (Africa). Concentration reflects economic disparities.
Regional Trade Growth Rates (2024)
Annual export volume growth by region (%)
Key Finding: Asia and Africa posted fastest export growth (4.2% and 3.8%) in 2024, driven by manufacturing (Asia) and commodities (Africa). Europe stagnated (0.8%) amid economic headwinds. Americas grew moderately (2.1%).
Understanding Regional Trade
WTO Regional Classifications
Asia: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific islands. Europe: EU27, UK, EFTA, Eastern Europe. Americas: North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean. Middle East: Gulf states, Levant, North Africa. Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa.
Intra-Regional Trade
Measures how much regions trade with themselves vs the rest of world. High intra-regional trade indicates economic integration, supply chain depth, and regional agreement effectiveness. Europe's 67% reflects decades of EU integration. Africa's 18% shows fragmentation AfCFTA seeks to overcome.
Regional Trade Agreements
Major blocs: EU (Europe), USMCA (North America), RCEP (Asia-Pacific), AfCFTA (Africa), MERCOSUR (South America), ASEAN (Southeast Asia). These shape regional patterns by eliminating tariffs and harmonizing standards among members.