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Greening Global Trade

If you are an SME interested in learning how you can embrace sustainability principles and make impactful changes in your global trade practices, Global Trade Department can help

Global net zero emissions by 2050

Globally, coordinated change is paramount

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Action targets

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Global trade pivotal in achieving change

Practical, low risk, phased approach

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Overview

There can be no doubt that climate awareness and pressure is mounting, at least amongst developed nations; the Paris Agreement and latest COP summit have served to raise the topic amongst environmentally conscious businesses and consumers. Companies involved in global trade and for whom sustainability is a core part of their ethos, are also becoming more educated as to the scale of carbon emissions in international trade and how that impacts the climate crisis. 

Carbon emissions are often considered the most obvious damaging impact of international trade, leaving many businesses and policymakers considering several important questions, like: 

  • Is there a way that trade and trade policy can support decarbonisation of production domestically and overseas?
  • Can trade policy serve to address carbon leakage and ensure that domestic businesses following more stringent national climate policies do not lose market share to more carbon intensive international competitors?
  • Can trade policy help domestic industries and communities transition towards a decarbonised environment whilst bolstering green jobs and promoting transparency, fairness, and openness in global trade?
  • Can trade policy prevent countries from ‘offshoring’ their carbon footprint through consumption of unsustainable imported goods?
  • How can international trade transportation reduce its carbon footprint?
  • Can trade policy enforce transparency, fairness, and use of climate related standards/labelling of imported and exported goods?
  • How to effectively balance the need for climate friendly trade with the potential economic consequences for developing countries?
  • How to mitigate the risks of climate change impacting on global trade i.e. building resilience into supply chains, infrastructure, etc. to minimise the impact of natural disasters?

However, sustainable global trade is about much more than decarbonisation. Greening trade requires a widescale review of trade and environmental objectives and a concerted effort to closely align them and implement governance on a global scale. 

Impact of global trade on the environment

1 %

of energy used by global transport supplied by Petroleum

1 %

of all transport-related CO2 emissions are from freight

1 %

increase in CO2 emissions in Africa predicted by ITF

1 %

of energy-related CO2 emissions in the transport sector comes from road transport with another 12% from air transport

1 %

of global merchandise trade by volume is transported by sea

0 %

rise in fossil fuel subsidies as a percentage of GDP between 2020 and 2025 despite 2050 carbon neutral goal

Greening trade needs strong environmental laws, regulations, globally shared targets, and institutions empowered to implement change. 

Trade policy can prioritise sustainability through environmental chapters in trade agreements; and said policy can then be enforced both ‘at the border’ (liberalisation of climate-friendly goods and services; Border carbon adjustments; Quotas or bans on ‘high emissions intensity’ products; International cooperation on emission trading systems) and ‘behind the border’ (Climate related standards, labels and due diligence requirements – government and voluntary; Trade disciplines on fossil fuel subsidies; Greening trade rules e.g. on subsidies, government procurement, investment, to support climate action; Investor-state dispute settlement provisions that safeguard space for climate action; Technology transfer and intellectual property rules that spur innovation and affordable access to climate technologies). 

Global intergovernmental cooperation can then be fostered through bodies such as green Aid for Trade, trade finance initiatives, green trade classifications and sustainability impact assessments. Whilst global education as to the importance of green trade and sustainable supply chains is also imperative. 

"Greening International Trade has emphasised the importance of strong, enforceable domestic environmental laws, regulations and standards as the basis for green trade, and the need for international cooperation to raise shared environmental ambition."
Carolyn Deere BirkbeckDirector of the Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs
"The Climate Change Committee estimates that the UK will need to invest £1.4 trillion between 2020 and 2050 to reach net zero. This includes an average of £50 billion per year between 2025 and 2050—an amount broadly comparable to the government’s annual spending on schools."
Andrew P Goodwin:Oxford Economics
"So, the financial case for green trade is very clear: The global market for low-carbon exports is growing rapidly. By 2030, it’s projected to be worth almost £2 trillion. While a potent combination of ambitious entrepreneurs, high ambitions and steadfast and determined government backing, the UK is now in a leading position to take a first mover advantage. This translates into some exciting opportunities for us: Because quite simply green trade, spells green jobs."
The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MPUK International Trade Secretary
"Public and private actors are showing great interest in green trade topics. The urgency of environmental challenges is driving a re-think of our production and consumption networks. Supply chain sustainability is gathering mainstream attention, the circular economy needs to be delivered across value chains, while trade and climate topics are increasingly intersecting."
AuthorWorld Economic Forum
"International trade plays a substantial role in global warming; it has been estimated that 25 percent of the total carbon emissions could be associated with the expansive cross-border production process and distribution (WTO, 2021). Meanwhile, “greening” trade would provide an impetus to sustainable production and restrain carbon emissions."
S. K. MohantyG20 Insights
"Green trade presents a major opportunity for the UK, creating high-value jobs in the low-carbon economy, driving sustainable growth in all corners of the nation, and fuelling technological innovations that can be exported to the world. Free trade can be a lean, green, value-creating machine that is good for developed and developing nations alike."
The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP UK Secretary of State for International Trade
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If building sustainability into your international trade objectives and activity, you may want to consider Global Trade Department’s Trade Sustainability Assessment as a means of understanding your business’ current impact and uncovering tangible changes you can make to reduce any negative impacts, boost competitive advantage, and increase your brand perception amongst a growing number of sustainably conscious customers. 

Global Trade Sustainability Assessment

Obtain an impartial, outside-in assessment of your current global trading processes and practices, with practical recommendations of how you can incorporate sustainability values and targets to meet future regulatory requirements and drive long-term growth.

Learn more

What our clients say

"The EU Exit Action Plan became one of our go-to documents to jump-start our exports following Brexit. Andrea’s assistance was absolutely invaluable."
Simon KingHaith's
“Global Trade Department really did understand the business by the end and was able to provide us with all the relevant advice regarding obtaining a European VAT number and dealing with the new VAT situation."
Marie PalmerCast Iron Welding Services
“Andrea became our advisor … You’re never sure with these free consultations what you’re going to get out of it, and whether you’re actually going to be sold to instead of helped. But Andrea instantly got into the detail of our business and offered helpful solutions immediately.”
Claire RansomLazy Flora
"We've been able to access advice from sources we would never have known to contact, and the advice has been competent, proactive, and incredibly supportive."
Andy CowperthwaiteBlanson Limited
"If you have been wondering how to take your business to the next level, the Investor Pitching Fast Track is a fantastic workshop offering the opportunity to hear from highly successful entrepreneurs and obtain down to the earth advice on how to navigate the complex innovation support landscape, getting the right advice/support at the right time for your specific business."
Erica YangChilton Computing
“These webinars cover so much ground, but it’s broken down into manageable chunks and presented in an easy-to-understand way."
Gina ThompsonPreci-Spark Ltd
"I would highly recommend this program to even the most confident and experienced companies who trade internationally.”
Ambrose KingstonAerodyne
"Andrea is exceptionally personable and experienced in growing international markets. We have benefited enormously from her insight, connections, and ability to give us definitive, concrete suggestions as to how we could surmount our global business challenges. Thank you for your great advice and mentorship, it has been of tremendous value to us."
Conor DelaneyGlobal Dream Travel
“I’m Founder of a tech start-up which is aiming to sell an online service overseas at an early stage. The 1-1 with Global Trade Department was an obvious place to start when I was looking for advice, and my hopes were fully vindicated."
Rich YoungSmarter - The Knowledge Exchange
"During the 1:1 support sessions, Global Trade Department provided invaluable and easy to understand advice on a variety of topics."
Lorraine LawtonRocket Creative Design Limited
“Just completed the introductory fact-finding session with ‘Global Trade Department’ Nearly cancelled this as I have a busy schedule but really glad I didn’t. Seriously, don’t miss out."
Hugh TyzackGrapplefix
"I am very much looking forward to the report, and confident that the action we take off the back of it will help us strengthen our position and grow, despite current economic and political uncertainty."
Renee WatsonCuriosity Box
“Our company has ambitious plans for international growth but we didn’t really know where to start. Having an export 1-2-1 with Andrea was perfect timing, and has meant we have been able to develop an export strategy to deliver the planned growth."
John HarrisSwim Secure
The Investor Pitching Fast Track course run by OxLEP eScalate is fantastic. The sessions cover talks from established business in advanced stages of investment through to actual investors giving an inside viewpoint. These speakers added an incredible amount of value."
Tim BarryBikeable
"A Fantastic two day investor pitching fast track workshop with OxLEP Business. It was great to pitch our proposition to the delegates today. So many great take aways, top tips from industry experts, feedback on our investor pitch and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of delegates to share the time with, some truly inspiring and incredible people."
Victoria JeffreyuWatch
"I had the pleasure of a 1:1 call with Andrea Collins of GTD. I cannot thank her enough for her expert advice with regard to several queries and concerns I had relating to Customs declarations, EU VAT thresholds, and B2B digital service sales with the EU; Andrea went into huge detail on all those points and completely allayed my fears!"
SHARON DAYMANHive IP
"Thank you so much for your time and knowledge and support again today. Very, very much appreciated – you have made a big difference to us in this appalling situation and we are so grateful for your help and wisdom."
CHRISSIE PROBERT JONESEat Sleep Doodle
"Andrea is an absolute pleasure to work with and provided us with great support particularly in relation to raising investment. Having worked with Andrea over the years I would highly recommend, a wealth of expertise and support coupled with a comforting style of delivery that the team and I warmed to."
Andrew EtheringtonP3MO
"Andrea has been an invaluable catalyst for InvictIQ. Her ability to find innovative solutions for every challenge and her unwavering support is remarkable. I highly recommend Andrea to anyone seeking a trusted advisor in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship."
Sanghamitra ChakravartyInvictIQ
"Andrea provides perception wrapped in enthusiasm, which makes a very motivational combination for any entrepreneur or businessperson who needs a sounding board, advice, or impetus, to take the steps necessary to achieve and sustain growth. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Andrea to help anyone who needs to get a fresh perspective to help you grow your business."
Stephen SpencerStephen Spencer & Associates
"Andrea is a font of knowledge and a breathe of fresh air! I learned so much about business growth but also about good business foundations. I found Andrea was able to understand the nature and complexity of my business in an instant. Andrea constructively challenged my thinking and was able to draw out new ways of thinking. She invokes confidence where it needs to be but helps find the areas that need a little re-shape."
Mary McCarronConnect Neurotherapy Services Ltd
"I've had several interactions with Andrea and during each she has provided a wealth of useful business advice. She listens carefully and is adept at translating theory to individual business contexts with practical guidance. As well as being exceptionally knowledgeable, she is also a pleasure to work with. I can highly recommend her!"
Caroline JohnstoneRawstone Consulting
"Andrea has been advising and coaching me for almost eight months in my capacity as MD at TeamLytica. I always look forward to our sessions - Andrea's relaxed and open approach means she is easy and straightforward to communicate with. Behind the smiles and humour, Andrea sets high standards and expectations of both herself and, more importantly, me. Her advice, guidance, and support comes from a place of abundant experience rather than an academic waffle. I also feel Andrea really cares about the outcomes and success of my business and I appreciate that 'buy-in' just as much."
Mark HideTeamlytica
"When it comes to business start-ups and business growth, Andrea's mind is like a Swiss army knife, finding the perfect tool for every challenge. She is an incredible mine of information. I'm extremely grateful for all the assistance and the connections she's provided, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her wealth of experience to anyone else in business. She's an absolute star."
Mya PadgetDrone ID
"I have been incredibly fortunate to work with Andrea. She is knowledgeable, experienced, very well regarded and has a wealth of international development experience that will benefit any person or company working with her. She also has a growing network of like-minded professional contacts and touch points and I would have no hesitation in recommending her services."
Darren EvansAfter Cloud
"The lovely Andrea was a huge help to me whilst I was doing the eScalate programme. She helped guide me through the grant process and was always there for me when I needed her, offering great advice and tips. She was a great listener and really got to understand my business and situation. Her knowledge of exports was also really helpful to me as my business imported and exported at the time. I'm very sure that without Andrea's help I wouldn't have won the ERDF grant. I always enjoyed our 121s."
Carol IngramFirefly Merchandise
"Andrea's commitment to supporting UK micro businesses and SMEs is truly inspiring. Through the launch of the Global Trade Department, she has actively assisted these companies in expanding their international reach, promoting UK goods and services abroad, and bolstering supply chain resilience through global sourcing. Her dedication to advancing the interests of UK businesses on a global scale is unmatched."
Sarah MolsOutside Ideas
"Andrea advised me as part of the eScalate program on Global Trade and in particular on Supply chain analysis and mapping. She was very knowledgable and through in her approach, and a massive support to me. Her energy, encouragement and passion for sustainability has been motivating to me and my own personal development."
Katherine MaunderThread Tales
"Andrea has been a supportive adviser to me for some years now, always giving me truly valuable advice or directing me to resources that can help. I would thoroughly recommend her expertise, knowledge & her willingness to help."
Daren ElsleyBollox
"For the past 18 months I have had the pleasure of working with Andrea whereby her company actively help me in this world of Start-Up's. So even with over 30 years commercial experience running 2 small Plc's I was amazed to see the breadth of knowledge being offered, much of which was new to me. Above all it was Andrea's availability to listen and offer advice indeed meaningful introductions that makes her and her company a resource more should use."
Malcolm BallBeyond the Map
"Wonderful experience working with Andrea, full of energy, ideas and ways to grow and support our therapy service"
Tom MurfittOxford CBT
"Andrea is always very knowledgeable regarding the various topic discussions and has an amazing ability to make the group sessions a well-structured and informative. She is also a kind and supportive person, who takes the time to get to know you and understand your business and the issues you may be experiencing. She will then offer genuine support to help guide you through any potential solutions. She also has a wealth of knowledgeable people within her network."
Steve GeeGForce Recruitment
"Andrea was the organiser and mentor of an Investor Pitching Fast Track event I attended This event brought together many different businesses wanting to scale up. Andrea created a very trusted and inspiring environment for us to learn and grow our network. The selection of the invited speakers and Andrea's knowledge and presentations were great, clear and inspiring. Thank you for a great event."
Rita HendricusdottirReg Metrics
"We were looking for support to guide us through the exploration of new markets abroad. We were introduced to Andrea at GTD who worked tirelessly with us, showing patience and understanding in every question we had. The support and guidance paid significant dividends upon the acceptance of a private customs warehouse authorisation and continued support through applications for VAT numbers throughout the EU.”
Rachel BinksHome Curtains
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Great Britain: Global Trade Department Ltd, Kingston House, Great Western Way, Swindon, Wilshire, SN5 8UB, Great Britain.
Global Trade Department Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, Company no: 07000152. VAT no: GB994 7629 49

EU/Northern Ireland: Global Trade Department (NI) Ltd, Office 834, Unit 6, 100 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AG, Northern Ireland.
Global Trade Department (NI) Ltd is a company registered in Northern Ireland, Company no: NI724330

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