Band 7+: 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 charts illustrate the volume of exports (in millions of tonnes) from Rotterdam port to various global regions in 2002 and 2012, alongside the corresponding import tax rates applied by those destinations.

In terms of export volume, Europe was consistently the primary destination, receiving 50 million tonnes in 2002, which rose to 60 million by 2012. Conversely, exports to North America saw a dramatic decline, plummeting from 30 million tonnes to just 10 million over the decade. Shipments to Asia and the Middle East grew significantly from 10 to 25 million tonnes, while those to Central and South America remained stable at 15 million tonnes.

Regarding taxation, Europe and North America imposed the lowest tariffs at 5% and 7% respectively in 2012. In stark contrast, Central and South America had the highest import tax at 20%, followed by Asia and the Middle East at 18%. Notably, the tax rates for all regions increased between 2002 and 2012.

A key observation is the inverse relationship between trade volume and tax rates; the regions with the lowest tariffs (Europe and North America) received the most and least exports respectively, suggesting other economic factors were also influential.