World Trade Growth Slowing but Still Healthy,...

World Trade Growth Slowing but Still Healthy, WTO Says: Merchandise trade volume rose 8% in 1995 and the value of trade in goods and services exceeded $6 trillion for the first time, the World Trade Organization reported. Although the advance is down from the 9.5% of 1994 and the figure for 1996 is expected to be 7%, the WTO said that is still a healthy growth rate and well ahead of the 3% growth in world output. The U.S. remained the leading single-goods exporter, with a growth rate of 14% and a global share of 11.6%. It was also the top importer, raising purchase value by 14% for a share of 15%. The 15 members of the European Union, excluding inter-regional trade, were the top exporter, with a 20% global share, and were second to the U.S. in terms of import values.