International Animal Welfare Trade Levers

Trade agreements and border carbon adjustments can be powerful levers for improving animal welfare standards globally.

Key Facts

Trade in animal products can reward or penalise producers based on their welfare standards
The UK Agriculture Act 2020 includes provisions against imports produced to lower welfare standards
Mandatory welfare equivalence for imports would create powerful incentives for exporting countries
Border carbon adjustments being developed in the EU could be adapted to include welfare standards
Voluntary supply chain welfare requirements by retailers create de facto global welfare standards
International trade law through WTO rules constrains unilateral welfare import requirements
Consumer country demand for welfare-certified products creates the most durable supply chain change

Welfare Considerations

International trade policy is one of the most powerful levers available for improving global animal welfare. Countries that import significant quantities of animal products can use trade requirements to drive welfare improvements in exporting countries - a form of welfare benefit that multiplies far beyond domestic production. Consumer demand for welfare-certified products in importing countries creates the economic foundation for trade-based welfare improvement. Supporting this approach requires engagement with both consumer behaviour and trade policy.

What You Can Do

Support organisations campaigning for welfare equivalence requirements in UK trade agreements
Contact your MP to advocate for strong animal welfare provisions in trade agreements
Choose imported animal products with welfare certification recognised in the country of origin
Engage with government consultations on trade policy to include animal welfare provisions