In 2011, LDC trade was, on average, balanced but this average masks significant variations across LDCs. The composite index of primary commodity prices increased sharply between 2002 and 2008 and, although it took a dip in 2009, it recovered thereafter and has maintained the upward trend in more recent years (Figure 7.2). These trends are reflected in Figure 7.3, which shows the evolution of value and volume indices of LDC exports.