MOTOR TRADE

MOTOR TRADE Germany exported $87 billion-worth of automotive products last year, more than any other country. That amounted to 18.5% of global exports of vehicles and parts. But the value of its exports in 1996 was only 2% higher than in 1995, and its share of the global total has slipped from 22 in 1990. The value of Japanese exports, $75 billion, was second-highest, despite falling by 7% last year. That contrasted with third-placed America, which increased its exports by 5%, lifting its market share to almost 12%. South Korea had the fastest-growing exports last year, up 26%. There is a lot of intra-industry trade in the car business, with big exporters tending to import plenty too: in 1996 Germany bought $47 billion-worth; America $112 billion-worth.