No. 56 Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference: what outcomes for agriculture and fisheries?

06/05/2024

The 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO (MC13) took place from 26 February to 2 March 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Conference was chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the host country. Agriculture and fisheries subsidies were once more at the centre of the deliberations, but no concrete outcome was possible due to differences and divergence of positions among Members

No. 55 Price transmission in food markets

15/12/2023

This policy brief assesses whether domestic food markets in developing countries respond to changes in international prices and how fast. Price transmission – namely the extent to which changes in international food prices lead to changes in local food prices – is central to assessing the functioning of markets.

No. 53 The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the role of FAO

14/12/2023

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2002, is the first WTO agreement to focus on the environment and the first legally binding multilateral agreement on marine sustainability. It regulates the provision of fisheries subsidies and recognizes that certain types of subsidies can have a negative impact on the sustainability of marine natural resources.

No. 52 The importance of international trade for fisheries and aquaculture products

14/12/2023

As a result of economic growth, technological advances and trade liberalization, the integration of the fisheries and aquaculture sector into international markets has brought many benefits. These include a more efficient allocation of resources, a wider choice of products for consumers, improved access to fish and seafood, and greater development opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable countries and populations.

No. 54 Trends in inclusion of environmental related provisions linked to the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors in regional trade agreements

14/12/2023

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry are closely linked to the environment and depend on it for their long-term productivity and sustainability. However, if not properly managed, these three sectors can have a negative impact on the environment. Agricultural trade can also have an impact on the environment, and in recent years there has been a renewed focus on how to balance sustainable development and trade liberalization.

No. 51 Improving food safety to foster trade

16/02/2023

Food safety measures are essential to protect the health of consumers and to promote confidence in international markets. It is therefore crucial to ensure that food safety measures and controls are in place to protect public health while avoiding unnecessary costs and barriers to trade.

No. 50 Developments and prospects in the international cotton market

14/02/2023

Cotton is a key driver of economic growth, sustaining millions of farmers and families across 80 countries in five continents. It also represents an important source of foreign exchange for a number of low- and middle-income countries. World cotton trade began to trend upwards in the early 2000s with the implementation of the commitments undertaken at the Uruguay Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and is projected to expand steadily over the next decade.

No. 49 Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12)

01/08/2022

The Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12 to 17 June 2022. Following the conclusion of the meeting, this brief reports on its outcome, with particular reference to the negotiations on agriculture and fisheries.

No. 48 Changing patterns of agrifood trade: the rising importance of developing countries

29/10/2021

This policy brief analyses trends in agrifood trade globally and by country group, with a focus on trade patterns of developing countries.

No. 47 Trade and sustainable agrifood systems: pathways of interaction

28/10/2021

This policy brief examines the relation between trade and the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental). Moreover, it investigates the complementary policies to achieve sustainability outcomes and analyses the role of certification schemes in addressing sustainability.