Trade as a tool to advance climate plans, including nationally determined contributions

National trade-related measures and policies have untapped potential to advance the ambition and implementation of NDCs and national climate plans. National trade-related measures such as tariffs, market-based mechanisms, subsidies, and technical regulations can facilitate the energy transition and the economic and social transformations to low-carbon economies, enhance the market for carbon-efficient products, and facilitate phasing out unsustainable economic activities (UNCTAD, 2023a). The inclusion of trade-related measures in NDCs and the mainstreaming of these measures in relevant national strategies, such as export or industrialization strategies, can also contribute to securing enhanced means of implementation in support of national climate goals while strengthening policy coherence.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Climate Action