UNCTAD Calls for Trade Cooperation to Accelerate Climate Action

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) called for stronger trade cooperation to accelerate climate action in its Global Trade Update released on November 9, 2026. The report highlights the growing value of trade linked to solar and wind energy alongside a limited focus on trade barriers in climate-related provisions.

Global merchandise exports associated with solar and wind value chains exceeded $1.8 trillion in 2025, with growth continuing to outpace that of other manufactured goods. Yet only 7% of climate-related provisions in recent trade agreements address the reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The figures point to a distinction between the growth of climate-related trade and the attention given to barriers within trade agreements. Reducing those barriers could make climate technologies more affordable, although the effect would depend on which measures are adopted and how they are implemented.

UNCTAD also identifies trade cooperation as a way to support economic diversification and strengthen developing countries’ capacity to respond to climate challenges. For businesses involved in solar and wind value chains, the provisions of future agreements will be relevant to whether the report’s proposed approach translates into changes in trading conditions.