Trends and developments in commercial services trade

The value of world exports of commercial services rose by 11% in 2011 to $4,170 billion, exceeding pre-crisis levels of $3,850 billion in 2008 (WTO, 2012a). Half of world exports of commercial services in 2011 consisted of travel receipts and other business services. Asia-Pacific as a region increased its contribution to world export of commercial services from 23% in 2000 to 28% in 2011. However, its share in world imports of commercial services remained at a higher level, rising from 27% in 2000 to 30% in 2011. Despite the exports of commercial services growing faster than the imports since 2003, the region still generates a deficit in its services trade with the world (figure 2.1).

Related Subject(s): International Trade and Finance