This Commonwealth Trade Review 2024 presents new evidence that the Commonwealth advantage also supports greater agri-food trade. Commonwealth membership typically leads to a 22 per cent increase in food trade between member countries compared to non-members. This effect is particularly strong for exports of fruits and vegetables, cereals, and fish products, which are essential for food security. The Commonwealth effect on food trade increases to 33 per cent for Commonwealth countries that are also part of the same bilateral or regional trade agreement. Commonwealth countries can expand their food trade through enhanced multilateral and regional co-operation. Increased domestic and international investment in food production, processing capabilities and value addition along the supply chain will be essential. This includes tapping into the Commonwealth’s large, dynamic and entrepreneurial diaspora. Countries can modernise trade facilitation through digitalisation, while strengthening the capabilities of exporters, especially small and medium enterprises, to comply with technical and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for food. Aid for Trade can be leveraged to build productive and supply capacities and upgrade logistics infrastructure for supply chains. Prioritising the reduction of food loss and waste, along with adopting circular economy principles, are essential for moving towards sustainable agri-food systems.
