This first volume provides an overview of the international merchandise trade in 2009 and detailed information on the trade performance for numerous countries up to the year 2009. Overall, data for a total of 174 countries (or areas) are shown with the 2009 detailed data on imports and exports by commodity and trading partner provided for 88 countries (areas). This represents approximately 70 per cent of world trade of 2009. This volume has been compiled early in 2010 (in May 2010) to allow for an advanced release of an overview of international merchandise trade in 2009 and for a much earlier publication of the available 2009 country (area) data.