International trade policy is driven by a narrow set of interests, negotiated far from the public eye. Since the formation of the World Trade Organization in 1995, global and bilateral free trade agreements and weak regulatory frameworks have entrenched an extractive and exploitative system that expands corporate profits and power to the detriment of workers, communities, family farmers and the environment, particularly in the global South. If we are to meet climate objectives for a livable future and advance global justice, our trade system needs transformation.

IATP works closely with U.S. and international partners to oppose trade rules that attack workers’ rights, weaken protections against concentrated market power and undermine local and state initiatives to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, we are working to advance new trade and governance paradigms that: promote fair exchanges of goods and services; encourage national and sub-national initiatives to respond to the climate crisis; support remunerative farms and prosperous rural communities; and respect countries’ right to protect and build self-determined food systems.