The global trade index for the second quarter of 2018 calculated by the World Trade Organisation shows the same weaker growth trend, mostly due to a slower rise in volumes of international trade orders and air freight. These areas are heavily exposed to market uncertainty over the imposition of import duties.
Lithuania, as a small open economy, is highly dependent on global trade trends. Slower growth in exports of Lithuanian origin at the beginning of this year reflects the overall slowdown in EU and global economic growth: a slower increase in import volumes of partner countries drags down the demand for Lithuanian production. In early 2018, the development of imports of Lithuania’s trading partners, namely Germany, Russia and Poland, decelerated, which also led to lower growth in Lithuanian exports. Rising crude oil prices had a negative impact on the global competitiveness of companies refining crude oil in Lithuania.
Disturbances in world trade will affect Lithuania, though most likely indirectly. The US has imposed import tariffs of 10% and 25%, respectively, on EU aluminium and steel exports. A significant part of Lithuanian exports goes to Germany and the Netherlands, which are among the largest US trade partners. As a result of higher prices of goods exported by these countries following the imposition of customs duties in the US, some exporters may be forced to search for new trade markets. However, it is currently difficult to quantify the impact of a potential trade war on the Lithuanian economy: the ongoing discussions about counter tariffs and a protectionist attitude towards trade create an unfavourable environment for business and undermine market expectations.
So far Brexit has not had any significant effect on trade relations between Lithuania and the UK. The share of exports to the UK in exports of Lithuanian origin remains fairly stable – around 5–6% of total exports of Lithuanian origin, excluding mineral products. On the other hand, according to Eurostat, Lithuania’s market share in the UK shows slow but steady growth. This market is important for Lithuanian furniture manufacturers, chemical and textile manufacturing companies. Together these product categories account for around 60% of total exports of Lithuanian origin to the UK.
Comment by Mantas Vilniškis, Economist at the Macroeconomics and Forecasting Division of the Bank of Lithuania