Circular Economy

By Kweku Attafuah-Wadee, Lalen Lleander and Henrique Pacini, UNCTAD Economists

The study assesses the export-associated pollution generated by the manufacturing sector, a key driver of economic growth.

Barbados, Belize and Costa Rica are looking beyond the pandemic and climate shocks by developing and implementing national trade strategies strongly linked to resilience, conservation and the sustainable use of their marine resources.

With about 75% of all the plastic ever produced becoming waste, countries are exploring how to use trade and development policies and negotiations in the fight against plastic pollution.

By Henrique Pacini, Economist, UNCTAD

Drawing on a powerful new database that tracks and traces the plastic life cycle, UNCTAD shows where countries can apply trade policy pressure to reduce pollution.

By Henrique Pacini, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD, and Tze Ni Yeoh, Consultant, World Bank

The pandemic has led to a surge in pollution from disposable products like plastic face masks and hand sanitizer bottles. Effective trade rules can help limit the spread of coronavirus waste.

UNCTAD and the Stockholm Environment Institute team up to map pollution hotspots in Africa and Asia to understand manufacturing's environmental impact in the regions.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in partnership with UNCTAD, releases a new report on the opportunities for urban and industrial innovation in China.