Publications

Nearly half of Ugandan companies face challenges with non-tariff measures (NTMs), according to an ITC business survey. Certification, labelling, packaging and rules of origin are their biggest challenges. Stronger quality infrastructure within the country will boost the competitiveness of small...

Cross-border e-commerce can help least developed countries (LDCs) to become more competitive and diversify their exports – and this is especially true for Asia-Pacific, the most dynamic region in global e-commerce. To capture that potential, small businesses in these countries need more market...

Hungarian SMEs account for 99.8% of enterprises. 70% of employment, 50% of value added and 28% of its exports to the European Union. This report provides targeted recommendations to help SMEs trade, with a focus on agriculture, electronics and ICT sectors. For each sector, it outlines what firms...

Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, offers great potential for Afghan exporters. Developing a consistent based for quality is the key to unlocking a ‘red gold’ rush, a priority sector of Afghanistan’s national export strategy.This guide outlines how to build a quality saffron sector...

Small businesses in Saint Lucia are contributing to the country’s export growth. The findings of a new ITC Competitiveness Survey jointly conducted with the country’s Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) provides guidance on how to exploit opportunities in four key sectors: food and beverages,...

As a major palm oil, cocoa, rubber and coffee exporter, Indonesia plays a key role in global and regional commodity markets. An ITC survey among 950 Indonesian companies finds that 51% of fresh and processed food exporters face burdensome regulations. Delays and high costs for technical and...

Sustainability initiatives are more effective and efficient when they fully engage the middle tiers of supply chains.Those creating sustainability initiatives (a standards-setting organization, government or company) will find useful guidance, including corporate approaches to sustainable sourcing,...

This study reviews the global market for sustainably wild-collected botanical ingredients from China. China produces many plant-based herbal medicines and ingredients, consumed within China and worldwide. The study promotes recognition and implementation of sustainable wild-collection standards and...

Inadequate export quality infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan is a key obstacle for Kyrgyz exporters.A survey of over 300 companies on non-tariff measures (NTMs) found 58% of Kyrgyz exporters to be facing challenges with various regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade. Inadequate testing and...

Buying quinoa contributes to better livelihoods for rural Peruvian communities, according to a new ITC study. The study provides much-needed data on the impact of changing market prices on the welfare of rural households in the altiplano of Peru. The findings inform policymakers about the benefits...

The first global data report on fast-growing voluntary sustainability standards outlines the share of bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, forestry, palm oil, soybeans, cane sugar and tea in 14 major standards. The report is based on a partnership between the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture...

Voluntary sustainability standards continue their growth across the world. This third global report provides new insights into the evolution of certified agriculture and forestry. ITC has teamed up once more with the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International...