Band 8+: The charts give information about the amount of exports (millions of tonnes) moving through Rotterdam port in Holland to various global destinations in 2002 and 2012; and also the % rates of tax imposed on these exports by the receiving countries. Write a report summarising the information. Select and describe the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The provided data presents the exported cargo quantities from Rotterdam to various regions through 2002 and 2012, inclusive of the tax rates governments imposed on this cargo at both time points.

The exporting volume of Rotterdam increased to 18,600 million tonnes from its 2002 base of 17,150 million tonnes from 2002 to 2012. The increase in exports to specific regions outweighed the decrease in exports to alternate regions. The shipping volume to Asia Pacific expanded dramatically as the port sent 800 million tonnes in 2002 and 2,550 million tonnes in 2012. Additionally, exports to Australasia increased equally dramatically from 700 million tonnes in 2002 to 2,300 million tonnes in 2012. The USA and Latin American countries reduced imports as European markets registered a slight reduction in their import activity.

Tax policies changed as well. China started 2002 without import taxes but established a new 2% import tariff in 2012. The tax increase in Europe reached 8% during this period, which became the highest in all regions worldwide. Tax rates decreased across both the USA and in Asia Pacific regions.

The total export volume increased, but the customer countries demonstrated a change. Trade with Asia Pacific and Australasia markets intensified while business with the USA and Latin America decreased.