Five centuries of trade: from 2% of GDP to 57%, with one great reversal

Original title: Trade openness over time · Our World in Data · 27 Jul 2026

What does the data say about trade openness over time?

Original chart: Our World in Data

So what

Globalisation has been reversed before: trade fell from about 30% of world GDP in 1913 to around 10% by 1945. Today's level is roughly double the pre-1914 peak and has plateaued since 2008, not collapsed. The interwar episode is the reference case for boards weighing tariff wars and bloc formation.

Data sources: Klasing and Milionis (2014); Estevadeordal, Frantz and Taylor (2003); World Bank (WDI); Penn World Table 11.0
Authors: Our World in Data
Source article: Not recorded
Rights: Third-party rights need checking. The chart is not reproduced here.
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So what

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