Economy, investment and finance

Data insights

Economic, investment and financial data provide vital measurements of economies' health, overall development and capacity for growth. This collection of thematic insights explores critical dimensions of national accounts, economic potential and price signals.

How important is trade in goods and services for economies?

Trade openness index, 2024, percentage

UN Trade and Development, UNCTADstat.

This index reflects the degree of trade openness by comparing the combined value of exports and imports of goods and services to GDP.

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In 2024, trade openness, defined as the sum of exports and imports of goods and services relative to GDP, was highest in small, highly integrated economies,  reflecting their dependence on international markets. Luxembourg led at around 400% of GDP, followed by Hong Kong (China) at 372% and Singapore at 327%. By contrast, major economies recorded much lower ratios: China at 39%, Japan at 47%, and the United States at just 25%, highlighting the larger role of domestic demand in their output.

Data updated on 27 Aug 2025

Goods and services exports rise in developing economies, services lead growth

Exports of goods and services, billions of dollars

UN Trade and Development, UNCTADstat.

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In 2024, developing economies’ exports of goods and services rebounded by 5.8% to $13.2 trillion, driven by a 4.5% increase in goods exports to $10.6 trillion and a strong 11.4% rise in services exports to $2.7 trillion. This marks the continuation of a post-pandemic recovery in services trade.

LDCs’ total exports grew by 7.9%, reaching $328 billion. Goods exports rose by 7.2% to $276 billion, while services increased by 11.5% to $52 billion, sustaining a three-year upward trend.

Data updated on 27 Aug 2025

Developing economies’ goods surplus widens as services deficit narrows

Balances in trade of goods and services, billions of dollars

UN Trade and Development, UNCTADstat.

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In 2024, developing economies maintained a substantial trade surplus in goods and services, rising to $772 billion from $696 billion in 2023. This increase was driven by a higher goods surplus, which grew from $831 billion to $853 billion, while their services trade deficit narrowed to $81 billion. 

In contrast, developed economies posted a trade surplus of $179 billion, more than double the $79 billion recorded in 2023. This improvement reflected a robust services surplus of $854 billion, offsetting a persistent goods deficit of $675 billion.

Data updated on 27 Aug 2025

Metadata

The statistics presented correspond to the concepts and definitions of the IMF Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6), except those countries and territories who present their figures according to the fifth edition of the Manual (BPM5).

For full metadata are available in our Data Centre for Trade openness.

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