what is the broad pattern of the international trade?

Answer 1

The pattern of international trade is much more complicated and interesting that the previous posting suggests.

If we look at the situation just after WWII, we find that a 'colonial division of labor' where developing countries exported primary products, agriculture and minerals, and Europe and North America exported manufactured goods.

The structure of world trade has been changing :

-- Developed countries still account for most trade. 75% of the world's exports are from developed countries, while only 25% are from developing ones.

-- Developed countries still export mainly manufactured goods: 83% of their total, 62% of all world exports. But, developing countries now export more manufactured goods than primary products: 56% of their total, 14% of world exports;

-- Today, more primary products are exported by developed countries than by developing countries: 14% of world exports, compared with 11% by developing countries.

Answer 2

The broad pattern of international trade is very simple: the vast majority of international trade in the world occurs within Europe, primarily between the member countries of the European Union.