[will2348]

Ok, for some reason, I just feel pretty stuffed with this question, I've looked on various sites and text books and can't seem to find an answer.

Here's the question: Explain possible reasons why changes in trade with individual countries were so varied in 2009 (8 marks)

Here's the information that came with it:

Biggest UK import sources : Germany, USA, China, Nertherlands, France.
Goods imported 2009 (£m) : 39131, 28451, 22840, 21201, 20226.
Change from 2008 (%) : -12, -1.5, +4, -16.3, -12.8.

Biggest UK export markets : USA, Germany, France, Netherlands, Irish Rep.
Goods exported 2009 (£m) : 33531, 24760, 17871, 17379, 15295.
Change from 2008 (%) : -4.1, -13, -4.7, -10.3, -17.7.

The value of the sterling against the euro fell in late 2008, making UK exports cheaper in terms of the currency used in major export markets. The balance of payments on current account shows little benefit resulting from the cheaper £ but manufacturers were reporting improved orders in spring 2010.

This all makes my head hurt, any possible ideas or explanations much appreciated.

Thank you

[JOR2010]

(Original post by will2348)
Ok, for some reason, I just feel pretty stuffed with this question, I've looked on various sites and text books and can't seem to find an answer.

Here's the question: Explain possible reasons why changes in trade with individual countries were so varied in 2009 (8 marks)

Here's the information that came with it:

Biggest UK import sources : Germany, USA, China, Nertherlands, France.
Goods imported 2009 (£m) : 39131, 28451, 22840, 21201, 20226.
Change from 2008 (%) : -12, -1.5, +4, -16.3, -12.8.

Biggest UK export markets : USA, Germany, France, Netherlands, Irish Rep.
Goods exported 2009 (£m) : 33531, 24760, 17871, 17379, 15295.
Change from 2008 (%) : -4.1, -13, -4.7, -10.3, -17.7.

The value of the sterling against the euro fell in late 2008, making UK exports cheaper in terms of the currency used in major export markets. The balance of payments on current account shows little benefit resulting from the cheaper £ but manufacturers were reporting improved orders in spring 2010.

This all makes my head hurt, any possible ideas or explanations much appreciated.

Thank you

Perhaps talk of the economic climate, unemployment, levels of AD, consumer confidence, and perhaps some other effects of a weaker pound.

[will2348]

(Original post by JOR2010)
Perhaps talk of the economic climate, unemployment, levels of AD, consumer confidence, and perhaps some other effects of a weaker pound.

How does that cause trade with other countries to vary so much exactly?