The value of international trade grew 5% in Q1 2012 compared to the same period last year, according to a World Trade Organization report.

The increase in export value was driven by the Russian Federation (+18%), Africa and the Middle East (+15%) and South and Central America (+11%).

Overall, EU export value remained stable, despite a 2% drop in intra-EU trade.

However, global Q1 trade value went down 2% from Q4 2011, with a drop in export value of 17% for Brazil and 15% for China.

India, along with Africa and the Middle East, were the only two regions to register a rise in export value from last quarter, up 14% and 6% respectively.