GENEVA, March 26 (Reuters) - World trade volumes in merchandise goods contracted by 12.2 percent in 2009, the biggest fall for more than 70 years, the World Trade Organization said on Friday.
In value terms, trade contracted by 23 percent, from $16.1 trillion in 2008 to $12.5 trillion, it said in a statement.
If the forecast expansion of 9.5 percent in 2010 continues, it will take until 2011 for world trade volumes to surpass 2008 levels, it said. (Reporting by Jonathan Lynn)