25/08/2023 (Agence Europe) – Following a 1% fall in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same period last year, merchandise trade is set to recover slowly in the second quarter, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO) barometer published on 24 August. This indicator shows trends before the official figures are known. The barometer index of 99.1 for June is below the base value of 100, but higher than the index of 95.6 recorded in May (see EUROPE 12958/27). The electrical components sector has fallen significantly in recent months, while the automotive industry has boosted the index. The WTO has forecast 1.7% growth in trade in goods for the whole of 2023, and this remains achievable if figures pick up in the second half of the year, according to the organisation. To see the details of the barometer, go to https://aeur.eu/f/8cg (LM)