UNCTAD calls for aligning markets and trade with the Paris Agreement to accelerate the low-carbon transition and finance climate action ahead of COP30
Geneva, 6 November 2025 – Trade can be a powerful policy to achieving the Paris Agreement, the 2015 global accord under which all nations pledged to limit warming to well below 2 °C, pursue efforts to 1.5 °C and submit updated national climate plans every five years.
The latest Global Trade Update by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is released ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place from 10 to 21 November in Belém, Brazil. The report provides fresh data and policy analysis demonstrating how trade can help accelerate the low-carbon transition and mobilize investment for climate action.
Key takeaways
- Trade can drive climate action. Integrating trade policy and its tools into climate plans can speed the shift to low-carbon economies while diversifying exports and generating revenues for adaptation.
- Green exports are rising sharply. In 2024, exports of environmental goods reached $2 trillion (14 per cent of global manufacturing goods traded). Biodiversity-based goods totaled $3.7 trillion in 2021 and non-plastic substitutes $485 billion in 2023.
- Clean energy is becoming cheaper. The average global cost of producing electricity from new solar projects fell 41 per cent between 2010 and 2024. Onshore wind generation now costs 53 per cent less than fossil-fuel power.
- Cooling technologies also show major potential. Trade in thermostats rose 32 per cent and in insulating glass 43 per cent between 2018 and 2023. The sustainable-cooling market is valued at $600 billion and could deliver $8 trillion in benefits for developing countries by 2050.
- Tariffs and standards remain barriers. Average tariffs on solar and wind components range from 1.9 per cent in developed economies to 7.1 per cent in Africa, rising to 7.6 per cent once non-tariff measures are included. While tariffs on plant-based plastic substitutes, averaging 14.4% is double that of conventional plastics.
About UN trade and development:
UNCTAD is the UN’s leading body on trade and development. Founded in 1964, it supports 195 member states with expert analysis, technical assistance, and serves as a platform for intergovernmental dialogue.
UNCTAD helps developing countries make trade, finance, investment, and the digital economy work for inclusive and sustainable development.