ITC publications bring the business voice to sustainable trade, with a focus on developing countries. We offer guidance for trade policymakers, business support organizations and small firms. Our reports offer insights to make trade more inclusive, green, digital and competitive.
More than two-thirds of Jordanian companies face difficulties with non-tariff measures when exporting or importing. Inconsistent application of regulations creates major obstacles for Jordanian exporters. The problems caused by conformity assessment requirements and procedures are a key source of...
Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, offers great potential for Afghan exporters. Developing a consistent brand 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...
Companies in 16 French-speaking African countries are more likely to export when they comply with international standards, according to a joint survey by ITC and the Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers (CPCCAF). Among 9,000 firms surveyed, only 25% have an...
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...
Once overhunted and on the brink of extinction, the vicuña species (a small member of the camelid family) is thriving again in South America’s Andes region. The decision to grant usufructory rights to communities to shear and sell vicuña fibre increased their economic incentive to sustainably...
A review of trade flows, value chain, sustainability, illegality and animal welfare of the trade in South-East Asian python skins. The paper analyses reported trade in python skins, the added value at each stage from hunting to retail and likely areas of illegal activity (smuggling, false...
A comparison of sustainability schemes, as well as an overview of the trends in the markets for specialty and sustainable coffees. Coffee niche markets provide opportunities for producers in developing countries to increase their incomes. This paper, drawn from ITC’s new book on the coffee trade,...
Paper focusing on the contribution of the coffee value chain to climate change and the effects of climate change on global coffee production with particular reference to smallholder coffee producers in developing and least developed countries – reviews the opportunities to mitigate greenhouse gas...
Sub-Saharan Africa can boost annual GDP by US $15 billion if time in customs clearance is cut by 50%, and add another US $20 billion by improving transport infrastructure. This paper outlines policy options to dramatically increase export growth. It recommends that sub-Saharan African...
This paper guides exporters, packers and processors of organic food products through packaging sourcing and selection options. It helps them understand requirements and formulate their own packaging strategies, thereby creating new opportunities and competitiveness in their business. It includes an...
A recent ITC survey of 960 Peruvian companies shows that 40% face challenges related to non-tariff measures, mostly in their major export markets in the USA, the EU and some countries in Latin America. This report outlines survey results and policy options discussed at a national roundtable in Peru...
This paper describes in detail the types of claim statements permissible for dietary supplements and health food products, non-food cosmetic products, and over-the-counter drug products marketed in the United States. In the United States, regulations determine the statements that a company can...
