Blogs and news

International trade moves 500 billion tons of "virtual water" annually, often saving water globally by shifting production to water-abundant regions. However, sub-optimal flows persist where water-stressed countries export scarce resources due to underpricing and subsidies. To align trade with sustainability, governments must utilize price signals, reduce tariffs on water-saving technologies, and implement non-tariff measures like water-efficiency labeling and supply-chain due diligence.

Read here: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/trade/how-trade-policy-can-change-where-water-flows

#VirtualWater #TradePolicy #WaterScarcity

"Forever chemicals" (PFAS) are becoming a major barrier to international trade as major economies tighten health and environmental regulations. Countries risk being excluded from global value chains unless they invest in specialized quality infrastructure—specifically advanced laboratory testing and verification—to meet strict new market access requirements. A strategic, whole-of-government approach is needed to build this detection capacity, which simultaneously protects public health and preserves export competitiveness.

Read here: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/trade/how-forever-chemicals-are-impacting-international-trade

#PFAS #ForeverChemicals #InternationalTrade #MarketAccess

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) creates a critical challenge for smallholder farmers in developing countries, who risk market exclusion due to stringent traceability and geolocation requirements. While compliance costs are high, developing interoperable digital systems and strengthening land rights can transform these regulations into catalysts for long-term productivity and sustainable trade. Success requires coordinated government leadership, private sector innovation, and international technical support to ensure environmental goals don't undermine farmer livelihoods.

Read here: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/trade/coffee-beans-meet-green-rules--reconciling-climate-and-developme

#EUDR #Deforestation #SustainableTrade #SmallholderFarmers

Major climate policies like the US IRA and EU Green Deal are reshaping global trade, creating a projected five-fold increase in the green technology market by 2032. Countries rich in critical minerals (like Argentina and Indonesia) and those integrated into green value chains (like Mexico and Morocco) are positioned to see significant export growth. 

To succeed, developing countries must strengthen quality infrastructure and decarbonize domestic energy, while advanced economies must avoid protectionism and provide technical assistance.

Read here: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/trade/developing-countries-benefit-climate-policies-of-china-eu-us

#TradePolicy #ClimateChange #GreenTechnology

The Trade & Development Chart shows how the European Union's Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR) is likely to affect low- and middle-income exporters of cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood. Under the regulation, any trader who places these commodities on the EU market must prove that they did not originate from recently deforested land or contribute to forest degradation and have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production. (The European Commission has proposed delaying implementation by one year, to Dec. 30, 2025.)

Read here: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/trade/chart--the-impact-of-the-eu-s-deforestation-regulation--from-cof

#agriculture #food #trade #deforestation

Daryna Grechyna and I on the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for African countries. Key implications: food insecurity and rising prices; energy, including electricity and cooking gas but also tourism, gender equality and health.

Read here: https://voxukraine.org/en/consequences-of-the-russian-ukrainian-war-for-african-countries/

Also in Nigerian media: https://www.legit.ng/world/europe/1480783-rising-poverty-hunger-energy-crisis-3-ways-russias-war-ukraine-a-toll-millions-africans/ 

#stoprussianaggression #economics #foodcrisis #energycrisis 

Contrary to what many of us would have expected, Renault Group resumes car production in Moscow as rivals cut ties with Russia.

#warinukraine #stopbusinessinrussia

España sigue comprando GNL a Rusia a pesar de la guerra contra Ucrania. Naturgy es el principal comprador del hidrocarburo de Rusia. Representa alrededor de 10 % de sus aprovisionamientos de gas. Es decir, los clientes de este suministrador, la mayoría de forma inconciente (quiero creer), contribuyen a financiar la guerra de Putin. Ahora mismo un buque cargado de GNL se está acercando al puerto de Bilbao. Son aproximadamente 70 millones de euros qué pagarán los españoles solo por este cargo.

Cambiar la tarifa eléctrica en el contrato de luz, o de gas natural, es un trámite completamente gratuito para todos los consumidores residenciales. Los que deseen cambiar de compañía eléctrica o de gas no tendrán que dar de baja el suministro. Solo necesitarán ponerse en contacto con la comercializadora con la que deseen contratar y solicitar el cambio por teléfono u online. Las empresas pueden gestionar el cambio de suministrador a través de su departamento de compras.

#guerraucraina #gasruso

Qué triste leer que, al final, el buque con gas ruso ha descargado este fin de semana en el Puerto de Bilbao. Solo por este cargo los españoles pagarán unos 70 millones de euros, o dicho de otra manera, unos cuantos tanques rusos. Muy triste, porque (al haberme unido a la Cruz Roja) veo que España pone un esfuerzo enorme y todo su corazón para ayudar a los ucranianos. No tengo palabras cuando veo cuantos recursos se dedican para la ayuda humanitaria, para proveer vivienda y comida a los ucranianos que van llegando, que se establecen turnos extraordinarios en la policía para los fines de semana, para poder legalizarlos. Muy impresionante y muy triste, porque sé que (aunque de forma inconsciente) muchos españoles con este gran corazón siguen pagando a #Naturgy por este gas que sigue quitando vidas y obligando a muchos a dejar atrás todo lo que tenían y huir.

#gasruso #guerraucraina Gas Natural Fenosa

Ban on oil and gas imports from Russia will mean a lot, in many ways. I do understand why such a decision is not easy.

BUT informing the consumers about the origin of oil and gas products is an easy first step. Drivers and other consumers deserve to know whether their petrol station or supplier is financing Putin’s war on Ukraine.

This way they will be able to make an informed choice. I know many people and businesses are willing to pay higher prices for the fuel not linked to Russia. 

Good to see the companies take the necessary steps and have courage to recognise their mistakes, despite of the fact that many governments hesitate to act on this matter.

Led by the US and the UK, and inspired by industry action (Shell, Galp, among others), it will be easier for the rest to follow, I hope. 

When wiil you do the same Gas Natural Fenosa? #russiangas #russianoil #warinukraine 

Many of you ask how to help from abroad. Options on where to donate and help with other practical means below. In my view, one of the most helpful actions is to let your government know that there is a willingness to endure the consequences of the sanctions against Russia and Putin.

ADDED:

For those who are able to offer transport support, host a family and/or offer legal, psychological or other support to refugees, you can help via this platform:

https://help-together.com/ua