News

Made by Africa: 94 value chains to boost intra-African trade

Made by Africa: 94 value chains to boost intra-African trade

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

A new report, Made by Africa: Creating Value through Integration, released today during the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Niamey, Niger prioritizes pharmaceuticals, baby food, cotton clothing and automotives among 94 feasible value chains to boost intraregional trade and create jobs for women and youth. 

Tanzanian reforms lift obstacles for exporters

Tanzanian reforms lift obstacles for exporters

Monday, April 18, 2022

More than a third (36%) of Tanzanian companies have fully or partially resolved trade obstacles in the last six years, according to the International Trade Centre report, Invisible barriers to trade – United Republic of Tanzania: Business perspectives.

World Tariff Profiles 2021 explores the use of non-tariff measures in international trade

World Tariff Profiles 2021 explores the use of non-tariff measures in international trade

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Jointly published by ITC, WTO and UNCTAD, this annual report presents tariff-based market access conditions for goods applied by more than 170 countries and territories.

ePing trade alerts system launched in Vietnamese

ePing trade alerts system launched in Vietnamese

Thursday, April 29, 2021

ITC launches the Vietnamese version of ePing - a SPS and TBT notification system.

ITC Executive Director Remarks - Launch of ePing Vietnam Platform

ITC Executive Director Remarks - Launch of ePing Vietnam Platform

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Remarks by Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive-Director of International Trade Centre (ITC) at the launch of ePing Viet Nam.

Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk Project to Boost Trade between Moldova, the European Union and within EaP

Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk Project to Boost Trade between Moldova, the European Union and within EaP

Thursday, April 29, 2021

As part of the Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk (EAP) Project ITC will identify regulatory and procedural trade obstacles through national surveys of non-tariff measures, and provide sector-specific guides on exporting to the EU. 

Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk Project to Boost Armenia’s Trade with the European Union and within EaP

Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk Project to Boost Armenia’s Trade with the European Union and within EaP

Thursday, April 29, 2021

As part of the Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk Project (EAP) ITC will identify regulatory and procedural trade obstacles through national surveys of non-tariff measures, and provide sector-specific guides on exporting to the EU.

Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk project to increase trade between the EaP countries and with the EU

Eastern Partnership Trade Helpdesk project to increase trade between the EaP countries and with the EU

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, organized the first virtual national stakeholder meeting on the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Trade Helpdesk Project.

International Trade Centre trade tools register 1 million users

International Trade Centre trade tools register 1 million users

Friday, December 11, 2020

The International Trade Centre's market analysis tools have reached a significant milestone in 2020, with registered users passing one million for the first time.

Study highlights links between voluntary standards and Sustainable Development Goals

Study highlights links between voluntary standards and Sustainable Development Goals

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

There is significant overlap between voluntary sustainability standards and Sustainable Development Goals, pointing a way for business to bolster efforts to implement the SDGs, according to a new report.

ITC and World Bank publish new report on addressing non-tariff measures in Pakistan

ITC and World Bank publish new report on addressing non-tariff measures in Pakistan

Monday, August 10, 2020

A new report published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Bank Group reveals that more than half of Pakistani exporters struggle with domestic and foreign regulatory barriers.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton named new head of International Trade Centre

Pamela Coke-Hamilton named new head of International Trade Centre

Monday, July 27, 2020

ITC welcomes its eighth Executive Director

Blog: Global chain reaction: Unprecedented trade measures to tackle COVID-19

Blog: Global chain reaction: Unprecedented trade measures to tackle COVID-19

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Global Trade Helpdesk provides upgraded trade intelligence to MSMEs, supports inclusive post-pandemic recovery

Global Trade Helpdesk provides upgraded trade intelligence to MSMEs, supports inclusive post-pandemic recovery

Friday, June 26, 2020

ITC has teamed up with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to unveil a comprehensive trade intelligence platform to mark International MSME Day on 27 June 2020

Blog: Taxing health – market access for medical products under COVID-19

Blog: Taxing health – market access for medical products under COVID-19

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Trade policy responses to COVID-19 include liberalizing products needed to fight the pandemic.

ITC launches 15-point plan to help small businesses survive the pandemic

ITC launches 15-point plan to help small businesses survive the pandemic

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of developing economies − ITC has a plan to help them to recover and rebuild in the wake of COVID19

ITC launches COVID-19 dashboard and offers free access to Market Analysis Tools

ITC launches COVID-19 dashboard and offers free access to Market Analysis Tools

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Dashboard to track COVID-19 trade measures and free access to ITC trade data to help MSMEs, policymakers improve decision-making during coronavirus emergency.

ITC support to Nepal to enhance value chain development and relalize recommendations from NTM survey and export strategy

ITC support to Nepal to enhance value chain development and relalize recommendations from NTM survey and export strategy

Thursday, February 27, 2020

The Government of Nepal, the European Union and the International Trade Centre unveil a new project-in Nepal’s pashmina and coffee sectors to reduce poverty and boost sustainable and inclusive economic growth

Regulatory and procedural constraints hinder Ugandan ICT exports

Regulatory and procedural constraints hinder Ugandan ICT exports

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

A new report explores the characteristics of Ugandan technology firms finds that the sector promotes intraregional trade and the inclusion of women and youth in the economy. But regulatory and procedural hurdles make it difficult for many exporters to reach foreign markets.

Subregional workshop on non-tariff measures in Azerbaijan and North and Central Asia

Subregional workshop on non-tariff measures in Azerbaijan and North and Central Asia

Monday, December 9, 2019

ITC participated in the sub-regional workshop on NTMs in Azerbaijan and North and Cental Asia. ITC intervention focused on the private sector's perspective on NTMs. This workshop took place in Baku, Azerbaijan and was jointly organized by ESCAP.

WTO partners with ITC, WCO to address rules of origin with a global digital tool

WTO partners with ITC, WCO to address rules of origin with a global digital tool

Thursday, October 17, 2019

WTO announces support for the Rules of Origin Facilitator initiative, makes it easier for MSMEs to comply with rules of origin

Women in Europe largely under-represented in international trade, ITC study finds

Women in Europe largely under-represented in international trade, ITC study finds

Monday, September 30, 2019

Women are under-represented among EU companies in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors and women-led companies are primarily found in sectors with lower export growth potential. These are some of the findings of From Europe to the World: Understanding Challenges for European Businesswomen, a study released by the European Commission and the International Trade Centre

Subregional workshop on non-tariff measures in Armenia and North and Central Asia

Subregional workshop on non-tariff measures in Armenia and North and Central Asia

Monday, June 10, 2019

ITC presented the results of the NTM survey in the Asia-Pacific region and the upcoming Eastern Area Partnership (EaP) program during a workshop titled “Examining the impact of non-tariff measures (NTMs) on subregional trade among countries in North and Central Asia”, organised by ESCAP in Yerevan, Armenia.

ITC and Arab countries take stock of the progress made on regional trade integration

ITC and Arab countries take stock of the progress made on regional trade integration

Friday, December 14, 2018

ITC and Arab countries take stock of the progress made on regional trade integration

WTO, UNCTAD, ITC sign MoU to provide businesses with better access to trade data

WTO, UNCTAD, ITC sign MoU to provide businesses with better access to trade data

Friday, November 23, 2018

The WTO, UNCTAD and ITC signed a MOU to advance the development of an online platform - the Global Trade Helpdesk - aimed at providing businesses, with faster and easier access to trade data and information on potential export markets.

Most Ethiopian exporters face challenges related to non-tariff measures

Most Ethiopian exporters face challenges related to non-tariff measures

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

New business survey identifies obstacles encountered by traders and points to reform agenda

Denmark pledges over $14m in support to ITC

Denmark pledges over $14m in support to ITC

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Danish support enables ITC strengthening support to MSMEs at the base of the pyramid.

Qatar Development Bank and ITC to step up joint support for MSMEs

Qatar Development Bank and ITC to step up joint support for MSMEs

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

$1m funding to help diversify micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Qatar

ITC unveils the Market Price Information portal

ITC unveils the Market Price Information portal

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

New database provides free and real-time market information for MSMEs and farmers in developing countries.

MSMEs to benefit from ITC-WCO Rules of Origin Facilitator

MSMEs to benefit from ITC-WCO Rules of Origin Facilitator

Thursday, June 28, 2018

A new initiative that will enable micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to benefit from international trade opportunities was unveiled today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Addressing Non-tariff measures can help Ugandan companies boost their competitiveness

Addressing Non-tariff measures can help Ugandan companies boost their competitiveness

Monday, April 30, 2018

Almost half of exporters and importers in Uganda face challenges related to non-tariff measures (NTMs), according to a report published by the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC).

ITC and UEMOA launch digital platforms to boost trade competitiveness and regional integration

ITC and UEMOA launch digital platforms to boost trade competitiveness and regional integration

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Développer les opportunités commerciales grâce au numérique

ITC, UNCTAD, WTO launch Global Trade Helpdesk

ITC, UNCTAD, WTO launch Global Trade Helpdesk

Monday, December 11, 2017

ITC, UNCTAD and WTO today unveiled an innovative tool to help businesses, in particular smaller firms, benefit from trade. 

WTO and ITC launch Cotton Portal to enhance transparency and support development

WTO and ITC launch Cotton Portal to enhance transparency and support development

Monday, December 11, 2017

WTO and ITC today launched an on-line platform for market intelligence for cotton products, which will enable cotton producers, traders and policymakers to better harness market opportunities in the sector.

Nepal unveils National Sector Export Strategies and business survey on non-tariff measures

Nepal unveils National Sector Export Strategies and business survey on non-tariff measures

Friday, October 13, 2017

The Government of Nepal today launched a report on non-tariff measures (NTM) at a ceremony in Kathmandu. 

One-third of European Union firms face export obstacles, joint ITC-EU study finds

One-third of European Union firms face export obstacles, joint ITC-EU study finds

Thursday, December 15, 2016

ITC survey examines how burdensome regulations affect EU exporters, finds that 80% of obstacles are found in partner countries.

Burdensome regulations add costs, stifle small firms’ ability to export

Burdensome regulations add costs, stifle small firms’ ability to export

Thursday, October 6, 2016

ITC study finds that a 10% increase in regulatory burden decreases the value of small-firm exports by 3.2%

Three-quarters of exporters and importers in the Philippines suffer from non-tariff measures

Three-quarters of exporters and importers in the Philippines suffer from non-tariff measures

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Experts urge ECOWAS to strengthen regional integration by reducing non-tariff barriers to trade

Experts urge ECOWAS to strengthen regional integration by reducing non-tariff barriers to trade

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Trade experts called on the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to step up efforts to minimize the burdens that non-tariff measures (NTMs) place on businesses in the region. 

ITC to survey Namibian businesses on non-tariff measures

ITC to survey Namibian businesses on non-tariff measures

Thursday, June 2, 2016

ITC is to carry out a large-scale business survey to document the experiences of Namibian importers and exporters facing non-tariff measures (NTMs).

Mali explores how to overcome NTM-related obstacles to trade

Mali explores how to overcome NTM-related obstacles to trade

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Representatives from Mali’s government and business community met in Bamako on 26 May to discuss how to overcome trade impediments related to non-tariff measures (NTMs). 

Working with business and governments to target trade barriers, boost intra-Arab trade

Working with business and governments to target trade barriers, boost intra-Arab trade

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Addressing the obstacles that businesses, especially SMEs, face in moving their goods and services across borders can foster greater intra-regional trade in the Arab Region. 

ITC to survey non-tariff measures in Nepal and develop sector export strategies

ITC to survey non-tariff measures in Nepal and develop sector export strategies

Friday, March 18, 2016

ITC is to carry out a large-scale business survey to document experiences of Nepali exporters facing NTMs. ITC is also to develop four national-level sector export strategies (SES) for the Government of Nepal.

ITC highlights SME trade costs at WTO Aid for Trade Review

ITC highlights SME trade costs at WTO Aid for Trade Review

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Private sector views on costs related to non-tariff measures in spotlight

ITC shines light on how NTMs affect small firms

ITC shines light on how NTMs affect small firms

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Business surveys in 23 countries suggest that many NTM-related problems happen at home.

ITC at the Fifth Global Review of Aid for Trade

ITC at the Fifth Global Review of Aid for Trade

Friday, June 26, 2015

A 100% Aid for Trade agency, ITC will showcase trade and development aid in action at the WTO’s Global Review.

Trade Obstacles Alert mechanism addresses non-tariff measures

Trade Obstacles Alert mechanism addresses non-tariff measures

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Assahouré N’Goran used to wait six months to get the weight certificate required to export cocoa beans from Côte d’Ivoire to Belgium. Since June, his waiting time has dropped to just two weeks.

Identifying obstacles to trade faced by women

Identifying obstacles to trade faced by women

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Across the world, women business owners are faced with non-tariff measures preventing them from expanding business. Palestinian women are no exception. 

Business owners in Colombia identify non-tariff obstacles to trade

Business owners in Colombia identify non-tariff obstacles to trade

Thursday, March 5, 2015

A new study has revealed that over two-thirds of Colombian businesses find that procedural requirements related to non-tariff measures are greater obstacles to trade than the regulations themselves.

ITC Impact: Côte d’Ivoire

ITC Impact: Côte d’Ivoire

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

ITC helps develop Trade Obstacles Alert mechanism to tackle non-tariff measures

Onerous trade regulations within the ACP impedes regional trade integration

Onerous trade regulations within the ACP impedes regional trade integration

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Greater tariff reductions will boost intra-regional commerce

ITC and World Customs Organization sign deal to strengthen collaboration on trade facilitation

ITC and World Customs Organization sign deal to strengthen collaboration on trade facilitation

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Partnership will help developing countries live up to Bali commitments

Targeting non-tariff measures in Côte d’Ivoire

Targeting non-tariff measures in Côte d’Ivoire

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of exporters in Côte d’Ivoire see non-tariff measures (NTMs) as barriers to trade, according to a recent survey by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Paraguayan companies are most affected by burdensome non-tariff measures in Latin America.

Paraguayan companies are most affected by burdensome non-tariff measures in Latin America.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Nearly two-thirds of Paraguayan enterprises – both exporters and importers – are affected by burdensome non-tariff measures, according to a recent ITC study.

Implementing trade-facilitation measures to boost SME exports

Implementing trade-facilitation measures to boost SME exports

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Putting in place predictable trade-facilitation rules and regulations is critical to raising the export potential of SMEs, but to deliver real benefits to SMEs, countries must implement the regulations. This was the conclusion of a side event organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) as part of the Astana Economic Forum.

Colombian institutions introduced to ITC’s Non-Tariff Measures Programme

Colombian institutions introduced to ITC’s Non-Tariff Measures Programme

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Colombian institutions were introduced to the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) Programme, enabling them to better understand its scope, methodology and main objectives.

Most Rwandan exporters face trade barriers, from agricultural to manufacturing sectors

Most Rwandan exporters face trade barriers, from agricultural to manufacturing sectors

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Three-quarters of Rwandan businesses say they face barriers to trade imposed by private clients and the government, according to a new report by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Half of Madagascan firms affected by NTMs

Half of Madagascan firms affected by NTMs

Thursday, January 9, 2014

ITC survey finds that companies face string of cumbersome and opaque administrative procedures.

The role of trade facilitation in addressing non-tariff measures

The role of trade facilitation in addressing non-tariff measures

Sunday, December 1, 2013

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2013
ITC encourages policymakers to support home-grown businesses by tackling burdensome barriers to trade imposed by national authorities and partner countries.

Reducing non-tariff barriers along East Africa’s northern corridor

Reducing non-tariff barriers along East Africa’s northern corridor

Sunday, December 1, 2013

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2013
Cracking down on corruption and delays on one of East Africa’s busiest transport routes has helped to move goods across borders.

More than a third of Indonesia’s exporters affected by non-tariff measures

More than a third of Indonesia’s exporters affected by non-tariff measures

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Thirty-seven percent of Indonesian exporters and importers are affected by trade-restricting measures, according to a survey of nearly 1,000 Indonesian companies by the International Trade Centre (ITC) published this week.

Raising standards of Sri Lankan fruits and vegetables

Raising standards of Sri Lankan fruits and vegetables

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Strengthening the understanding of food safety standards and requirements to improve the livelihoods of Sri Lankan farmers

Trinidad and Tobago face most NTMs from CARICOM countries

Trinidad and Tobago face most NTMs from CARICOM countries

Monday, August 12, 2013

An ITC survey of 500 businesses in key export sectors points to major obstacles to trade, including lengthy product registrations, excessive certification requirements and inconsistent customs procedures.

Non-tariff measures: breaking down the barriers

Non-tariff measures: breaking down the barriers

Monday, December 31, 2012

Case study in ITC Annual Report 2012

The league of Arab States: A regional perspective

The league of Arab States: A regional perspective

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
The League of Arab States has one of the lowest levels of intraregional trade in the world despite preferential market access and significant cultural homogeneity. Trade potential exists, but is as yet untapped.

Surveying the scope of non-tariff measures

Surveying the scope of non-tariff measures

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
ITC surveys of non-tariff measures are beginning to expose a detailed picture of obstacles to trade on a global scale.

De-fragmenting Africa: Regional trade integration in goods and services

De-fragmenting Africa: Regional trade integration in goods and services

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
Regional integration in Africa has long been recognized as essential to addressing issues related to the small economic size of many countries and the often arbitrarily drawn borders that pay little attention to the distribution of natural endowments - Paul Brenton (World Bank)

Easing the burden of non-tariff barriers

Easing the burden of non-tariff barriers

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
The history of trade policy since World War II is one of remarkable success in terms of reducing tariffs - Alan Deardorff (Professor of Economics and Public Policy, University of Michigan)

Creating clarity out of complexity: Defining obstacles to trade

Creating clarity out of complexity: Defining obstacles to trade

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
Over several decades, trade liberalization has been used as a development tool based on evidence that benefits accrue to countries actively engaged in world trade.

Gathering evidence on barriers to trade

Gathering evidence on barriers to trade

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
Despite a global decline in tariff rates to historically low levels, trade is far from being free.

Export helpdesk: An online guide to accessing European markets

Export helpdesk: An online guide to accessing European markets

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
How can developing countries best access the EU market? A good starting point is the European Commission’s Export Helpdesk, which provides a free online service covering all import rules in force in the EU on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis.

Non-tariff obstacles to trade: The business perspective

Non-tariff obstacles to trade: The business perspective

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
Non-tariff measures can be a major impediment to international trade and market access, particularly for exporters and importers in developing countries.

Non-tariff measures: A key issue in evolving trade policy

Non-tariff measures: A key issue in evolving trade policy

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
In today's world trade, the relative importance of NTMs vis-à-vis tariffs for developing countries' exports has grown significantly - Petko Draganov (Deputy Secretary-General, UNCTAD)

ITC NTM survey in Peru

ITC NTM survey in Peru

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
The ITC survey in Peru and its part in creating workable policy options around non-tariff measures provide a benchmark for further surveys and follow-up activity.

International standards: A key solution to address non-tariff barriers to trade

International standards: A key solution to address non-tariff barriers to trade

Monday, October 1, 2012

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2012
The gradual disappearance of tariffs since the 1948 birth of GATT has been counter-balanced by a growing presence of NTMs in international trade - Rob Steele (Secretary-General, ISO)

Trade and public policies: A closer look at non-tariff measures in the 21st century

Trade and public policies: A closer look at non-tariff measures in the 21st century

Monday, October 1, 2012

The World Trade Organization's (WTO) World Trade Report 2012 takes a fresh look at non-tariff measures (NTMs).

United Kingdom contributes GBP 7.2m to ITC to enhance trade capacities of developing countries

United Kingdom contributes GBP 7.2m to ITC to enhance trade capacities of developing countries

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Thanks to the new funding, ITC’s Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) programme will continue to identify NTM-related obstacles to trade and make policy recommendations to countries on how to address these obstacles and increase exports.

Bringing NTMs into the light

Bringing NTMs into the light

Thursday, March 1, 2012

In 2010 ITC investigated the incidence of NTMs that Burkinabe companies faced at the international and regional level. The survey revealed that the majority of Burkinabe companies (60%) run into NTM hurdles.

Impediments to trade in agri-food products

Impediments to trade in agri-food products

Saturday, October 1, 2011

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2011
Trade in agricultural commodities has always been particularly sensitive. With decreasing tariffs, non-tariff measures have moved into focus.

Non-tariff measures and technical regulations: The challenges of compliance for exporters

Non-tariff measures and technical regulations: The challenges of compliance for exporters

Sunday, August 1, 2010

International Trade Forum - Issue 3/2010
A three-year ITC survey across 30 countries is seeking to identify and understand the major obstacles to trade faced by export businesses in meeting non-tariff measures (NTMs) and technical regulations.