WTO Sees 2019 Trade Growth Falling Short of 2018 Mark

The World Trade Organization (WTO) said global trade shrank by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the trade body now expects growth in 2019 will be 2.6%. World trade expanded by 3% in 2018 despite the disappointing end to the year. Roberto Azevêdo, WTO director-general, said the dim outlook is not surprising given rising trade tensions and tariffs. Separately, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde labeled the global economic outlook “precarious.”