Trade

Rice farmer Rodrigo Costanilla, father of seven, farms one hectare, rented from a land-owning family, and says rice is his livelihood [Annie Bungeroth]

International trade has the potential to lift millions of people out of poverty. But trade rules are stacked in favour of rich countries and companies

Poor countries are getting a raw deal out of the current trading system - which robs them of an export income of £1.3 billion every day – 14 times what they receive in aid.

Global trade rules are regulated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which promotes free trade by banning anything which might interfere with the flow of goods and services.

This often limits governments’ ability to intervene in trade to support development or protect the environment.

Favouring the rich

Within the WTO, poor countries are forced to make concessions in order to trade with richer countries, so the rules are weighted in favour of the rich.

Many rich countries lobby hard for poor countries to open their markets, while protecting their own producers with tariffs and subsidies.

Changing global trade rules will improve the lives of ordinary people living in developing countries.

CAFOD is part of the Trade Justice Movement, which calls for fundamental changes to the unjust rules and institutions that govern international trade.

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take action

Advent Appeal 2008 CAFOD Advent Appeal: Please send a message of support to kids this Advent at a special school run by a CAFOD partner

Shine a light in the darkness Please sign our petition calling on the world's largest mining company to listen to communities in the Philippines worried about the effect mining will have on their land - plus send a personal message of solidarity to the people of Macambol

Buy a World Gift Browse our new range of alternative gifts that act as two presents in one – something for you to give to friends or a relative, while the real gift changes the life of someone living in poverty