Introduction: Trade and sustainable development

International trade has expanded significantly over the past few decades, powered by the rise of global supply or value chains. In particular, it rose rapidly after 1990, reaching a record level of $28.5 trillion in 2021 (UNCTAD, 2022). Moreover, trade has truly transnationalized economic activities (Hoekman, 2014). In addition, and more fundamentally – the nature of international trade has changed with the emergence of global value chains (GVCs), whereby parts and components are exchanged across countries before being incorporated into final products (Hoekman, 2014). Indeed, today around 70 per cent of international trade involves GVCs (OECD, 2020), which can enhance countries’ ability to exploit their comparative advantages (UNCTAD, 2021a).

Sustainable Development Goals:

Zero Hunger

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Responsible Consumption and Production