Author Description

The annual activity of the WTO is summarized in this report, & includes component divisions, special reports on contemporary trade issues, & statistical evaluation of international commerce. Significant short-term developments & prospects in world trade, trends in trade policies, & some of the major activities of the WTO are summarized. A full volume of trade statistics for 1998 covers growth in the volume of world merchandise exports, output, & production; growth in the value of world exports; recent changes in export prices of primary commodities; & leading exporters & importers in world merchandise trade & commercial services. A special report on globalization & trade, a survey of important issues by the WTO directorgeneral, & an analysis of future trade developments are also included.