Rising South-South fisheries and aquaculture trade offers sustainable development opportunities

Global trade in marine fisheries and aquaculture reached $186bn in 2022, with South-South trade doubling to $39bn, driving sustainable economic growth and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Despite this growth, the sector faces significant sustainability challenges, including overfishing, climate change, and trade barriers, such as non-tariff measures that affect 93% of fish product imports. UNCTAD highlights the importance of the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) in fostering South-South cooperation, harmonising regulations, and promoting sustainable practices to enhance food security and marine conservation. (United Nations Trade & Development)