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Global Interdependence notes
Advanced Human Geography Options
Cambridge International AS and A Level Geography
For Syllabus 9696
Trade flows + patterns
Visible + invisible trade (imports & exports)
Trade is exchange of goods + services for money. Origin + basis of global Interdependence =
trade. Global trading system developed during European Colonial expansion 1492. LICs
exported primary products, agriculture, minerals while EU + N. America exported
manufacturing goods. This lasted until post WW2 period.
Trade vital element for growth of global economy, trade = 30% GDP (*3 larger than 1960).
Trade occurs as resources unevenly distributed across Earth's surface. Purchase of goods +
trade of services between countries. Goods from other countries = imports. Goods sold other
countries = exports. They are basis of trade, difference in value country's imports + exports =
balance of trade.
Trade deficit = value of imports exceeds exports. Country can use loans to make up for
difference (bad in long run). Reduces GDP.
Trade surplus = exports exceed imports. Contributes GDP.
Visible trade = items that physical (raw materials, oil, gold, cars etc…)
Invisible trade = services like travel + tourism, business + financial services.
Global patterns + inequalities in trade flows
Value global goods increased $8 trillion (2003) $18.5 trillion (2013). Value World trade in
services = ¼ global trade in goods. 2008 financial crisis caused dip in world trade, trade services
dipped less.
China biggest merchandise trader in 2013, imports + exports $4,159 billion. China trade surplus
$259 billion (2.8% GDP). US got imports + exports $3,909 billion. US had trade deficit $750
,2
billion (4.5% GDP). Top 10 traders in merchandise = 52% Worlds trade 2013. Countries
increased trade like China, Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand etc…
Trading positions of Holland, Belgium, Switzerland. Least developed countries = total export
1.1% compared to 75% of top 20 countries.
2014 Map above has clear spatial patterns:
- Every country in Africa lowest class ($250 billion), also most countries M. East, W + C.
Asia, L. America + E. Europe.
- Brazil + Mexico only countries outside
lowest class.
- Countries S.E. Asia lower two classes,
Australia + New Zealand.
- Major trading = N. America, EU + E.
Asia. Also, Russia, India + Saudi Arabia.
, 3
US firmly in leading position global trade commercial services, like exporter. Surprising facts:
- UK second largest exporter.
- Japan not significant in trade in services as for merchandise.
- India top 10 for exports + imports.
Top 10 countries in world trade in commercial services represented half commercial service
trade 2013. LDCs grew avg. 14% per year 2,000-2,013. Like:
- Cambodia (leading LDC tourist destination).
- Ethiopia (expansion air transport services).
Increase very low, LDCs only 0.7% in 2013. Trend in global share of trade in commercial services
declining share N. America + Europe + increasing share Asia. 2005-2013 Asia's commercial
exports service rose 21.7% to 26.2%. Europe's share fell 51.8% to 47.2%.
