Final answer:
The dollar value of world trade has generally increased almost every year over the past decade, with a longer-term upward trend since World War II and lower trade barriers contributing to this growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dollar value of world trade has increased almost every year in the past decade. Despite fluctuations such as a notable decline during the Great Recession where the U.S. trade deficit declined by almost half from 2006 to 2009, the overall trend since World War II has been an increase in trade volume and value. The evolution of world trade from 1950 to 2022 shows an expansion of approximately 6 percent in value, indicating a general upward trend aside from temporary dips. Additionally, the general trend of trade barriers over recent decades has been lower, facilitating the growth in trade.