The total contribution of Group operations to the global economy in 2003 was US$11.8 billion. This represents a nine per cent increase from the previous year which is explained by factors such as increased production, commodity prices and exchange rate movements. The total contribution comprises:

• US$6.3 billion of added value;
• US$5.5 billion of payments to suppliers.

Conventional financial accounting does not readily permit the breakout of the geographic distribution of economic benefits. Therefore, the data introduced here have been derived on a different basis to that which appears in the Group's financial statements. More on data reliability.

More on contributions by geographic region and our challenge

What is value added?

Terms used