Trade

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. 

Publications and proposals 

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• 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.

• 15 January 2026
• Report

Global maritime piracy and armed robbery increased in 2025

Highest number of reported incidents in the Singapore Straits, Somali piracy threat contained by naval presence.

• 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.

• 26 November 2025
• Brief

The WTO’s hidden value: How the multilateral trading system delivers for business beyond tariffs 

The full value of the World Trade Organization (WTO) rarely makes headlines. But in reality, it is a cornerstone of national competitiveness. Its agreements, daily technical work and tools quietly make the trading system work day to day for businesses. These practical benefits are often unseen, but essential for every economy.

• 19 November 2025
• Guide

ICC Practical Guide on Competition Law and Sustainability Agreements

As momentum builds for collective climate and environmental action, understanding how companies can collaborate responsibly for sustainability purposes is moving to the centre of policy debates. This guide provides direction for businesses seeking to align sustainability cooperation with competition compliance.

• 18 November 2025
• Proposal

Revitalising the multilateral trading system: Call for action

Ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), ICC calls on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to launch a structured, time-bound WTO reform round and preserve the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions – essential steps to restore stability and confidence in global trade.

• 6 November 2025
• Report

Powering climate action: Unlocking voluntary carbon markets to drive impactful change

To meet global climate goals, business ambition must be matched by credible frameworks for action. This ICC-commissioned Oxera report sets out 14 recommendations to strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of voluntary carbon markets and mobilise private finance for climate action. When grounded in transparency, integrity and strong standards, voluntary carbon markets can enable businesses to invest credibly and confidently in a net-zero future.

Latest articles and insights  

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• 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.

• 25 March 2026
• News

Business calls on trade ministers to safeguard and reform WTO system at MC14

At a business forum co-hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Organization on the eve of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, business leaders called on ministers to deliver practical outcomes in response to the mounting pressures on the global trading system.

• 25 March 2026
• News

Statement of industry support and report on a permanent WTO Moratorium

ICC is among over over 100 business associations calling on World Trade Organization (WTO) Members to make the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions permanent. An accompanying report, released ahead of MC14, details how the Moratorium underpins global digital trade, lowers costs for businesses and enables MSMEs to participate in the digital economy.

• 23 March 2026
• News

When digital tools become more expensive, the online growth of MSMEs is at risk

Thai e-commerce services company Brandnista helps micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) establish online businesses and participate in the digital economy. For its founder, Worawut Saibua, digital tools are not only essential to his own operations but also to the broader MSMEs ecosystem his business supports. If the WTO e-Commerce Moratorium were to lapse, new tariffs on cross-border digital trade could raise operating costs for MSMEs, increase consumer prices and slow digital adoption.

• 18 March 2026
• Guest blog

What British and European exporters should know about authentication of origin self-certification

Self-certification of origin has become the default proof of origin in many modern Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – valued by businesses for cutting cost and paperwork. But as origin procedures evolve and become more digitised, the ‘statement on origin’ is also changing: new templates, additional data fields and, in some cases, extra steps that can affect lead times and the information companies must share. Trade expert Anna Jerzewska explains what this shift means in practice for British and European exporters – particularly as agreements inspired by the CPTPP model add complexity, and as India introduces ‘authentication’ mechanisms that may need to be completed before goods are shipped.

• 16 March 2026
• News

Global Business Statement surpasses 200 business organisations urging WTO reform and Moratorium renewal

Two weeks ahead of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference, over 200 business organisations have already joined the call for a time‑bound WTO reform process and the renewal of the e‑Commerce Moratorium. With additional organisations expected to sign on in the coming days, the rapidly growing coalition underscores the urgency felt across the business community as governments prepare to take critical decisions at MC14.

• 5 March 2026
• News

Business mobilisation grows to 189 chambers and associations backing WTO reform and Moratorium renewal

Momentum is rising among global business organisations backing a Global Business Statement for action at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Global Business Statement – calling for the launch of a time-bound WTO reform process and the renewal of the e-Commerce Moratorium – has received 44 new signatories in the past week alone, bringing the total number of signatures 189, with representation from every region in the world.

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