International trade has become fundamental to economic growth and in doing so, has helped to lift hundreds of millions out of poverty. But it is not without costs and risks. The flow of goods and services across borders can disrupt labour markets, accelerate environmental degradation, and contribute to worsening inequality. With the right policies, these costs can be reduced, if not eliminated, and trade can become more sustainable.
The Hinrich Foundation commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to create the Sustainable Trade Index for the purpose of stimulating meaningful discussion of the full range of considerations that policy makers, business executives, and civil society leaders must take into account when managing and advancing international trade.
The Index defines “trade sustainability”, or “sustainable trade,” as:
This, the inaugural version of the index, measures nineteen countries in Asia and the US across the three recognized pillars of sustainability: economic (“profit”), social (“people”), and environmental (“planet”). Although significant effort has been made on the part of the Hinrich Foundation and the Economist Intelligence Unit to ensure that the index captures all aspects of trade sustainability in a comprehensive and impartial manner, we welcome feedback to help improve future iterations. Please send your feedback or register for future versions of the index and our thought leaders via index@hinrichfoundation.com“Participating in the international trading system in a manner that supports the long-term domestic and global goals of economic growth, environmental protection, and strengthening social capital.”
DOWNLOAD the full report, infographic and workbook
Sustainable trade index – Report
Discover the economic, social and environmental factors determining each country’s Sustainable Trade Index ranking, plus methodology and indicators for each. English | 中文 | Tiếng Việt
Sustainable trade index – Infographic
Three-page infographic highlighting overall rankings, country performance among each of the three pillars of sustainable trade and performance relative to per capita GDP. English | 中文 | Tiếng Việt
Sustainable trade index – Workbook
Run scenarios with different weightings for each pillar and change the indicators to create personalized views for each country. English[vc_separator]COUNTRY OVERVIEW High-level findings for select countries. Full details for all 19 countries and the US are in the workbook.
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South Korea places 2nd on Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.
Vietnam ranks 11th on Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.
Philippines ranks 13th on Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.
India ranks 15th on Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.