Article 1

 

WTO warns global trade could fall in 2025 amid rising tensions

 

World Economic Forum - April 24, 2025

 

Link to Article

 

Summary:

This article explains that global trade is expected to slow down, meaning countries, will buy and sell less with each other. This is happening because of problems like political tensions between countries, new tariffs ( taxes on imports ), and uncertainty about the future of the economy. The World Trade Organization ( WTO ) warns that if these problems continue, trade could decrease even more. Countries that depend a lot on exporting goods, like oil, cars, or electronics, may be affected the most because they rely on selling products to other countries to make money. When trade slows down, businesses may earn less, which can lead to fewer jobs and higher prices for goods. Overall, this can slow down economic growth and affect people's daily lives around the world.

 

GE1.01 – evaluate ways in which global business activity affects the links between, and interdependence among, countries.

 

Connection:

This article clearly shows that countries are connected through global trade. When trade slows down, it does not affect just one country, it affects many countries around the world. For example, if one country stops exporting goods like oil or food, other countries may not be able to get the products they need. This can cause shortages and higher prices. This shows interdependence, which means countries rely on each other. No country can produce everything on its own, so they depend on other countries for resources, products, and services. Global trade helps countries support each other's economies, so when there is a problem, many countries feel the impact.