Beyond the transaction: Commodity trade and sustainable development

The new report “Beyond the transaction” reviews the scientific evidence on the links between commodity trade and sustainable development. This report and a summary factsheet explore the role of Switzerland as a major hub of global commodity trade. They examine the growing influence of trading houses across value chains and the increasing role of financial actors and instruments for the sector, the limitations of current sustainability regulations, and the implications of rising geopolitical tensions.

The report builds on extensive scientific evidence from law, economics, as well as environmental, political and social sciences. It was prepared by over 30 experts from eleven Swiss research institutions, and complemented by perspectives from representatives of the federal administration, international organisations and trading houses.

Conference: Commodity trade and sustainable development

Save the date: GRP Alliance Conference on Swiss Commodity Trading

4 September 2026 in Bern

Join to discuss global scientific insights on recent developments in commodity trade and their implications for Switzerland as a hub of global commodity trade. Together with representatives from the federal administration, international organisations and trading houses this conference will reflect on what these insights mean for policy, trade and future research.

More information will be available soon: https://globalresearch.scnat.ch/en/annual_conference