Global trade to accelerate from 2015 (HSBC). - According to the latest international trade forecasts from HSBC (25 countries studied), published on Tuesday 16 September, the outlook is positive for trade in goods and services as of 2016. The value of goods traded will increase by around 8% in 2016, compared with 2.5% in 2013, and this rate will be maintained over the medium term. However, global growth will already accelerate in 2015 - thanks to the improvement of economic conditions in the USA and, to a lesser extent, in Europe. Nevertheless, “geopolitical events in places such as Iran and Ukraine have seen the imposition of economic and financial sanctions and counter-sanctions”, warns HSBC. “Improved growth in developed countries could exacerbate trade deficits and feed protectionism.” Some regions will prosper better. This is the case for Asia where important engines for growth are established like Bangladesh, India and Indonesia. Asia is thus considered by 42% of companies asked as offering better business opportunities in the next six months. In the longer term, out of the six economies where the forecasts for growth are strongest, five are emerging Asian countries - with average growth of between 8% and 11% per year in 2014-2030 (Vietnam, China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia). China, in particular, is expected to account for an increasing share of world trade, given its position as an export powerhouse and a giant target market for foreign exporters. Its share of world exports is projected to climb from 18% in 2013 to 29% in 2030. It alone will account for a third of the anticipated increase in global trade over the period. In the same region, HSBC expects a rise in India's power. The report announces an increase of over 10% in India's exports in goods between 2014 and 2016 - overtaken only by Vietnam - and of over 12% between 2017 and 2030. The short term outlook for growth for Turkey and Egypt is also positive. (IL)