For the largest Commonwealth countries which have contributed importantly to the global stimulus, managing rising debt levels will become an increasing challenge. For developing countries, policy options are typically more restricted – especially following the adverse impact of the food and fuel crises in 2008. The poorest countries need increased international financial support to mitigate the impact of the crisis on development goals. In all countries timing is of crucial importance to sustaining recovery. The Trade Hot Topics series provides concise and informative analyses of various trade and trade-related issues which are prepared both by Commonwealth Secretariat and international experts. For further information on the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat on International Trade please click here