Trade

ICC makes it easier for businesses to trade internationally. Everything we do on behalf of business drives a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Incoterms® 2020

Goods and services are produced and traded on a daily basis encompassing small, medium, large and multinational enterprises – affecting billions of lives in every corner of the world.

Trade is a driver of an increasingly integrated world economy, challenged and motivated by rapidly accelerating transformations.  Representing more than 45 million enterprises in over 170 countries gives ICC distinctive expertise in promoting business priorities that are also solutions to critical areas of shared purpose that directly impact society. 

Multilateral trade 

The global trade system is straining under rising protectionism and deepening fragmentation. ICC is working to ensure the multilateral trading system remains credible, predictable and fit for today’s economy.

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Trade finance 

Trade finance keeps global commerce moving by managing risks and securing the flow of capital and goods. ICC sets the global standards that make this system work, enabling banks and companies to trade with trust, efficiency and resilience.

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Customs and trade facilitation 

Efficient customs procedures are essential to global trade. ICC works with customs and logistics experts across to promote simplified, modern customs policies and practical trade facilitation measures. 

Digital trade 

Digital trade is transforming supply chains. ICC is accelerating this shift so that businesses can move goods and data both faster and more securely.

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Maritime piracy and armed robbery  

Maritime piracy and armed robbery endangers seafarers and disrupts vital trade routes. Through its International Maritime Bureau, ICC delivers real-time reporting and trusted alerts that help protect crews and keep trade moving.

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Publications and proposals 

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  • 4 May 2026
  • Report

When competition cannot be perfect: adapting antitrust to small and insular economies

Small and insular markets are essential commercial partners. Yet, these markets face structural constraints such as limited market size, geographical isolation and higher costs which means that competition often works differently than in larger economies. Drawing on insights from a survey of competition authorities in small and insular jurisdictions, this ICC report shows why competition policy cannot always be applied the same way everywhere. It offers practical recommendations to uphold core competition principles while adapting their application to local realities.

  • 8 April 2026
  • Report

Lowest first-quarter maritime piracy and armed robbery figures since 1991, but vigilance remains essential

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a sharp fall in global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2026, with just 16 incidents recorded worldwide – the lowest first quarter figure since 1991. While the decline highlights the positive impact of sustained cooperation and enforcement efforts, risks to seafarers remain. IMB continues to urge vigilance, timely reporting and strict adherence to best management practices to help safeguard crews and protect vital maritime trade routes.

  • 4 February 2026
  • Business solution

ICC Ecoterms® on Circular Economy

ICC Ecoterms® on Circular Economy is a business-to-business resource that provides common definitions for 16 of the most widely used circular economy terms in global trade. It supports consistent interpretation of regulatory requirements, clearer communication on sustainability terms, and the scaling of circular economy models across global value chains.

  • 3 February 2026
  • Report

Economic impact of Article 12AA: New UN tax model provision on cross-border services

A new UN tax model provision risks triggering an estimated US$241 million in annual government revenue losses for the Global South. Any revenue gains from the new provisions would be fully offset, resulting in a net fiscal loss. This independent Oxford Economics report, commissioned by ICC, is the first quantitative assessment of the potential economic and fiscal impacts of the new Article 12AA on cross-border services.

  • 11 December 2025
  • Report

Adopting AI for trade: Business insights to inform policy and practice

From reducing costs to enhancing productivity, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping global trade and creating new opportunities for companies of all sizes and geographical locations to expand their reach in the global economy. But while AI offers the promise of levelling the playing field – particularly for small firms in developing economies – it could just as easily risk deepening existing divides if barriers to inclusive adoption are not addressed, this joint survey by ICC and the World Trade Organization identifies.

  • 10 December 2025
  • Report

ICC Compact for Trade, Growth and Jobs

Prevailing trade tensions and eroding trust in the rules-based multilateral trading system pose a serious threat to shared prosperity. Developed through extensive global consultations, the ICC Compact for Trade, Growth and Jobs sets out practical solutions – from quick wins for immediate implementation to more ambitious, longer-term reforms – that governments and businesses can take to address persistent trade challenges and unlock global trading potential. As the backbone of the global economy, the Compact places particular emphasis on the barriers faced and solutions needed to support small- and medium-sized enterprises in cross-border trade.

Latest articles and insights  

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  • 29 April 2026
  • Guest blog

Cross-border disputes in a fragmented world: Strategic considerations for 2026 and beyond

In this guest blog, Omani & Partners share perspectives on how cross-border disputes are no longer limited to contractual disagreements. In regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), growing investment and legal reforms are increasing complexity. With challenges such as multi-jurisdictional enforcement, sanctions risks and overlapping regulations, dispute resolution is becoming a strategic consideration from the outset.

  • 10 April 2026
  • News

ICC highlights Europe’s role moving global trade from fragmentation to delivery

Senior policymakers and business leaders met in Brussels this week to advance practical pathways for strengthening the global trading system. Building on earlier regional engagements in Singapore, Dubai, and Mexico City, the Brussels dialogue focused on how Europe can help move the global trade agenda from discussion to delivery at a moment of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

  • 8 April 2026
  • News

ICC welcomes joint statement on e-commerce moratorium, calls for a permanent solution

The International Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a joint statement issued by 23 World Trade Organization (WTO) Members committing to maintain the practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions among themselves. The move follows the failure to extend or make permanent the e-commerce moratorium at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14).

  • 30 March 2026
  • News

WTO outcome “particularly concerning” for business, ICC says

Following the close of the World Trade Organization's 14th Ministerial Conference, ICC has issued a statement expressing concern at the failure of WTO Members to reach a concrete political agreement at a time of real strain on the global economy.

  • 26 March 2026
  • News

236 business organisations urge WTO Ministers for time-bound reform and e-Commerce Moratorium renewal

At the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO presented WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala with a Global Business Statement on behalf of 236 business organisations worldwide. The statement calls for a time‑bound WTO reform process and the renewal of the e‑Commerce Moratorium, underscoring the urgency felt across the global business community for a well‑functioning multilateral trading system that meets the realities of the 21st century.

  • 25 March 2026
  • News

“We can choose to act,” ICC tells WTO ministers

Delivering remarks to participants of the ICC-World Trade Organization Business Forum, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO called on governments to act decisively, warning that inaction at this pivotal moment could deepen economic instability and erode the foundations of global trade. Speaking alongside WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Cameroon Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana Mr Denton said that doing nothing at MC14 would not preserve the status quo but entrench dysfunction.

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