Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Trade Policy

How international trade agreements affect farm animal welfare standards and the risk of welfare arbitrage.

Key Facts

Trade agreements can undermine domestic welfare standards by allowing lower-standard imports
UK post-Brexit trade deals include some but inconsistent animal welfare provisions
WTO rules generally prevent welfare-based trade restrictions
Consumer labelling requirements can partially compensate by enabling informed choice
International welfare standard harmonization through the OIE is slow but progressing

Welfare Considerations

Trade policy is a critical but underappreciated lever for animal welfare. When welfare standards in trade agreements fail, domestic welfare improvements are undermined by imports produced under conditions that would be illegal domestically. Trade welfare provisions deserve much more advocacy attention.

What You Can Do

Engage with trade agreement consultations to advocate for animal welfare provisions
Support organizations monitoring welfare standards in imported animal products
Advocate for mandatory country-of-origin and welfare labelling for animal products