International commodity trade in 2001-2013: trends in the top group

In the article the analysis of the latest statistical data characterizing dynamics of commodity export/import value of the world leading countries in the period of 2001-2013 is carried out for the first time on materials of the WTO, UNCTAD. The preliminary estimate of value of global export and import of goods in 2013 is presented. The research conducted by the author allows drawing a conclusion on change of balance of forces among the leading countries - exporters of goods. During the crisis and post-crisis period only China, which since 2009 becomes the largest world supplier of goods abroad, managed to increase constantly its presence in the world commodity markets. Commodity export of Russia increased till 2012 and sure rates that allowed raising a share of the Russian Federation in international trade from 2,4% to 2,9%. In the sphere of world commodity import the USA are traditional leader, China is on the second position, Germany moved forward on the third position. Thus the last two countries (unlike the USA) have the active foreign trade balances. The same tendency remains in Russian Federation which is on the 17 th position; it permanently has active foreign trade balance.