Moderate growth in OECD during first quarter 2012. - Merchandise trade grew moderately in most major economies in the first quarter of 2012, the OECD states. Total imports and exports from the G7 and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grew by 1.0% and 0.6% respectively. In contrast, trade slowed sharply in China, with exports contracting (by 4.2%) for the second consecutive quarter and imports contracting (by 3.8%) for the first time since the first quarter of 2009. Imports and exports grew in Germany (by 0.9% and 1.8% respectively), Japan (by 1.5% and 2.1%), the United Kingdom (by 2.7% and 1.6%), the United States (by 4.0% and 2.0%), India (by 5.7% and 5.9%) and South Africa (by 6.3% and 4.8%). Import growth was flat in France and contracted (by 3.2%) in Italy but exports rose in both countries (by 0.7% and 1.3% respectively). Imports grew (2.4%) in Canada but exports decreased (-0.3%) for the second consecutive quarter. Exports also declined in Russia (by 0.7%). (IL/transl.jl)