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China's Belt and Road Could Boost Global Trade by 12%, ING Says

  • Optimistic scenario shows trade jump by 45% for some nations
  • Benefits depend on how fast trade costs fall due to BRI
Economic Reaction In Russia To U.S. Trade Sanctions
Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg

China’s Belt and Road campaign could increase global trade by as much as 12 percent by halving trading costs for countries involved in the sprawling initiative, according to an economist at ING Groep NV.

The BRI will have a significant impact on transport and trade facilitation expenses, both of which are large factors in final trading costs, Joanna Konings, senior economist for international trade analysis with ING in Holland, said in a June 6 report.