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Commodity trading could be a particularly strong lever for sustainable development
Trade in raw materials represents one third of total trade in goods and has a considerable impact on sustainable development. In the most comprehensive scientific study to date conducted by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), researchers analysed the influence of trading companies on economic, ecological and social development and show how Switzerland, as a major trading hub, can exploit opportunities and minimise risks worldwide.
Image: SCNAT
Beyond the transaction: commodity trade and sustainable development
The global trade of primary commodities is central to the global economy and connects producers and consumers across continents. These new factsheet and report review the scientific evidence on the links between commodity trade and sustainable development.
Image: Photo: Helder/Adobe Stock #1874786300Beyond the transaction: commodity trade and sustainable development
This report takes stock of the current evidence on commodity trade and global sustainable development across the academic disciplines of law, economics, environmental, political and social sciences.
Navigating the New Commodity Trading Age between economic security and sustainable development
Switzerland is one of the world’s leading commodity trading hubs. The sector is an important pillar of the Swiss economy and decisions taken in Swiss-based trading, finance and governance shape outcomes along global supply chains. The GRP-Alliance conference brings together diverse expertise and fosters dialogue between academia and actors from business, public administration and civil society to explore science-driven insights and solutions.
Image: Photo: Helder/Adobe Stock #1874786300Comparative regulatory analysis for selected commodity trading hubs
Comparative Legal Analysis for Switzerland, UK, USA, Hong Kong and Singapore
Making the Commodity Sector Work for Developing Countries - Local Impacts, Global Links, and Knowledge Gaps
Switzerland occupies an important position in the global trade of hard and soft commodities. Companies headquartered within its borders directly or indirectly shape commodity extraction practices around the world, some of which carry considerable negative environmental and social risks on the ground, particularly in fragile contexts. Minimizing these risks and maximizing shared economic gains could enable mutually beneficial development and counteract persistent social and political inequality.