Policy Analysis
To put it simply, this is a space for our policy experts to wonk out—after all, some issues can only be tackled with technical expertise on niche subjects. IISD's team understands the importance of effective commentary and the ways in which it can lead to transformative policy change in the real world.
Highlights

Ending the WTO Dispute Settlement Crisis: Where to from here?
Simon Lester outlines how and why many disputes between WTO members are in a state of limbo and discusses what the U.S. needs to do to move forward.

The Role of Agricultural Trade in Reducing Inequality
The benefits of international trade are often distributed unequally. Ekaterina Krivonos discusses how policy can make agricultural trade more inclusive.

Principles and Best Practice in Border Carbon Adjustment: A modest proposal
As more countries commit to ambitious climate targets, IISD’s Aaron Cosbey proposes a list of best practices for developing border carbon adjustments.
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Showing 1-10 of 375 results
Linking Economic Transformation to Circular Economy Goals
Colette van der Ven explains why a proactive approach is essential for African countries to embrace circular economy principles in the garment sector.
Nature-Positive Trade for Sustainable Development
Marianne Kettunen analyzes the role of trade policies in addressing the biodiversity crisis and promoting sustainable development while ensuring transparency, fairness, and interoperability across countries.
EU Accepts WTO Deal on Fisheries Subsidies
The European Union, along with other countries, has formally accepted the historic WTO Agreement on Fisheries, which aims to ban subsidies that encourage overfishing.
Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce at Crossroads for a “Substantial” Conclusion by MC13
Yasmin Ismail explores the recent updates of the JSI negotiation text on e-commerce and examines the impact of national policies, regional trade agreements, and digital economy accords on the ongoing negotiations.
Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement: Why does it matter?
Rashmi Jose provides a state-of-play for the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) and why it matters from the sustainable development perspective.
Unappealable but not Unappealing: WTO dispute settlement without the Appellate Body
Robert Howse examines the current state of the WTO’s dispute settlement system and how high reform should be on the agenda, ahead of MC13.
What Does Canada's 2023 Budget Signal for the Future of Fresh Water, Adaptation, and Natural Infrastructure on the Prairies?
Canada's 2023 Budget proved to be historic, with unprecedented investments for fresh water and the clean energy transition. As the Budget Implementation Act 2023 passed the House of Commons in June, what does this budget mean for fresh water, climate change adaptation, and natural infrastructure on the Canadian Prairies?
EU Plans Talks With African Nations to Boost Supplies of Critical Raw Materials
The European Union is in talks with African nations, starting with the Democratic Republic of Congo, to reduce dependence on China for critical raw materials in green and digital transition.
Fostering Cooperation on Sustainable Agriculture and Trade at the WTO
Christophe Bellmann discusses new windows of opportunity at the intersection of agriculture and trade to address sustainability challenges and advance cooperation at the World Trade Organization.
WTO Members Should Avoid Export Restrictions on Fertilizers to Deliver on Food Security
Facundo Calvo overviews the recent economic trends of agricultural fertilizers and suggests strategies to facilitate fertilizer trade in order for the World Trade Organization to deliver on food security.