Trade Justice

Trade is not a new phenomenon. The trading of goods and commodities has existed from the earliest of times. In the Bible King Solomon expanded his rule and wealth by controlling important trade routes in the Ancient Near East.

Today, trade happens on an international scale with nations trading their goods and commodities in the global marketplace through sometimes ambiguous rules, regulations and free trade agreements.

Free trade refers to the movement of goods across national boundaries without government interference such as tariffs. In theory free trade creates a “level playing field” so that everyone can compete based on the same rules in a free market system.

The current form of international trade, however, combined with the free market system produces clear winners and losers.

Free trade policies have meant corporate consolidation, market control and ballooning profits for companies, while devastating rural communities, displacing small farmers and harming the natural environment.

The movement for trade justice calls for trade policies to work for the common good rather than the interests of a few. Trade should work to promote life and dignity for all people. A statement by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance states that “trade justice is people-centered, respects human rights, and guarantees food security, livelihoods and sustainable development for the whole of society. It recognizes the right of all people to have a say regarding their own future, and all governments to determine their own economic and trade policies.”