Global Trade grew by 4.2% in 2017

In a time whene people are being told that countries are turning inward to focus on themselves (Brexit, America First, etc) you may find it heartening in a way to learn that the world as a whole has increased trade internationally by 4.2% this year, thus interacting more with each other, not less. Developed economies were up by 3.1% where developing economies grew by 5.9%. Some governments need to get their shit together (like the US), but the people participating in the economy are increasing their efforts to work together and, as a result, increase diversity.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Economy/World-trade-grows-5.1-in-July-September-fastest-in-over-6-years

https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres17_e/pr800_e.htm

Asia and North America being most important for this growth...

3.1% for developed countries isn't bad. That's honestly more than I expected. Is this adjusted for inflation?

I assume so, but I can't be for certain. It's not usually a number that I pay attention to, but I had heard it on one of my podcasts so I went and looked it up.

the more we trade, the less we fight.

Hey, wair is trading. We ship missiles to each other with a really short expiration date.

Those numbers don’t include the black market, they must be doing swell.

here! take these free bullets!

Oh I like those.

Fastest delivery ever seen. :P