Band 8+: The tables below 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 for a university lecturer describing the information shown below, and make comparisons where relevant.

The table compares the amount of export products (millions of tonnes) shipped from Rotterdam port in Holland to six different regions from 2002 to 2012, alongside tariff percentages imposed by country governers.

Overall, most countries’ import consumption diminished throughout the period, with Asia Pacific and Australasia as notable exceptions exhibiting a near tripling of imports. Tariffs decreased in three regions (e.g., the USA to 2%), but rose in others (e.g., Europe to 8%)

Europian nations exemplified the dominant trend significantly, declining from 6900 to 6400 million tonnes by 2012—a drop of 500 million tonnes. Likewise, the USA and Latin America countries reduced their imports to 3900 and 1500 million tonnes, respectively. In contrast, the amount of commodity coming from overseas tripled in Asia Pacific and Australasia, resulting in 2250 and 2300 millions of tonnes.

Regarding taxes, tarrif rates of the USA, Asia Pacific, and Australasia dropped to 2, 2, and 1 %, whereas Europe’s tariff rate surged to 8%. Meanwhile, China and Latin America increased their tariff to 2%, from 0% and 1%, respectively.