Global Commodity Trading and Sustainable Development

Trade in mineral and agricultural commodities is central to the global economy, particularly for the organisation and functioning of global value chains. It is closely linked to geopolitical developments and has a major impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this project we investigate how global commodity trading – a sector with major hubs in Switzerland – is linked with sustainable development.

Commodity trading broadly encompasses the procurement, purchase, transport, storage, processing and sale of physical commodities, including the management of associated risks, as well as operating physical assets in this context. With all these activities, it is deeply entangled with social, environmental, and economic challenges, from climate impacts and human rights issues to financial risks and governance concerns.

Project Goal

The main goal is to take stock of existing research on the links between commodity trading and the Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing together insights from economics, law, environmental science, political science, business, history, and public health, the project aims to:

• Summarize what we know about the effects of commodity trading on sustainability.
• Identify key gaps in research and open questions.
• Inform policymakers, commodity firms, producer countries, and international organizations on how commodity trading can better contribute to global sustainability.

Project Outputs

Project Activities

Project Organisation

Lead
The project is co-led by Fabian Käser, GRP-Alliance and Fritz Brugger, ETH-NADEL.