UNCTAD International Trade and Commodities supports countries in participating more effectively in global trade, identifying opportunities to diversify their economies and building more sustainable and resilient development pathways – ensuring no country is left behind.
We combine expertise across six teams working on international trade analysis, commodities, competition and consumer protection, trade and gender, trading systems, trade in services and in the creative economy, and trade and environment.
We deliver tailored solutions for our member States to address the interconnected challenges of sustainable development and economic diversification. Working across the entire trade ecosystem, from consensus-building and data and policy analysis to regulatory support, institutional capacity-building and project implementation, we help countries translate global standards and rules into practical strategies that reflect their national realities and economic development needs.
We make trade work for development
We help developing countries access global markets by navigating market requirements, environmental regulations and sustainability standards, while supporting their integration into regional and global value chains through diversification and value addition. At the same time, we provide data, tools and policy guidance that improve transparency, lower costs for exporters and reduce barriers to trade.
Our work strengthens competitive and resilient industries by promoting cleaner production, energy efficiency, circularity and low-carbon strategies, while also ensuring fair competition and effective consumer protection through stronger laws and institutions. We empower women and small businesses to participate more fully in trade, and support countries in turning climate challenges into opportunities through climate-aligned export strategies, sustainable value chains and circular economy models. Through these efforts, we help make trade a driver of sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.
Evidence of impact
Through this integrated approach, our experts have delivered measurable development impact in more than 100 developing countries, strengthening trade capacities, improving competitiveness and supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
- Trained 2,400+ policymakers
- Supported 150+ countries on trade policies and capacity building
- Supported 20+ African countries to develop green export strategies
- Conducted 29 competition law reviews
- Enabled multiple consumer protection assessments
- Built global databases on non-tariff measures and sustainability standards, state of commodity dependence and global system of trade preferences (GSTP) used by governments and businesses worldwide
- Implemented circular economy projects with significant reductions in pollution for communities
- Supported BioTrade sectors with billions in annual sustainable trade flows