The World Economy is a vital resource for researchers, analysts and policy-advisors interested in trade policy and other open economy issues embracing international trade and the environment, international finance, and trade and development. The journal also considers related areas such as economies in transition and development economics, making The World Economy an essential reference for in-depth knowledge on and up-to-date coverage of international economic relations.

Whilst The World Economy concentrates on trade policy issues - on a country basis, regionally and globally - it also covers broader issues such as exchange rates, IMF/World Bank, debt, environmental and other international issues as they relate to trade.