Global Trade in Biodiversity-Based Products Hits $3.8 Trillion
A new report highlights the gap between biodiversity-rich regions and global exports of food and natural ingredients.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Organic Food
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Should biodiversity-rich countries receive a larger share of profits from global trade in natural products?
Global trade in biodiversity-based products, which includes food, beverages, and natural ingredients, reached $3.8 trillion in 2024. Despite holding nearly two-thirds of the world's biodiversity, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean account for only 14 percent of these global exports.
Why it matters
Understanding the scale of this trade is essential for consumers who prioritize sustainable food systems and transparent supply chains. A new United Nations report highlights the need for policies that shift more economic benefit to biodiversity-rich regions while supporting sustainable production methods.
A United Nations analysis of 1,800 biodiversity-based products indicates that while global trade in these items hit $3.8 trillion in 2024, significant economic disparities persist between biodiversity-rich nations and major exporting economies. It remains unclear how future trade policy changes will impact individual product prices for consumers.
The players
United Nations Trade and Development
A UN body focused on integrating developing countries into the world economy through research and policy analysis.
The details
The report evaluates approximately 1,800 items ranging from natural fibers to food and beverage ingredients. These goods constitute 17.3 percent of all global merchandise trade, yet the extraction and export of these materials remain heavily concentrated in European markets, which account for 49 percent of exports. The findings emphasize that while these products represent a high percentage of total trade for regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, local processing capabilities are often limited.
Timeline
2024 marked the data year for this biodiversity product trade and export analysis.
Health Landscape
This data update provides a necessary benchmark for evaluating global compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity. It shifts the focus from simple resource extraction to the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of global food and ingredient supply chains.
Consumers seeking to support sustainable food systems should look for labels that certify fair trade and biodiversity-friendly practices. These certifications help ensure that the products you purchase are sourced from regions that benefit from local, sustainable production rather than just resource extraction.
The takeaway
The vast majority of the world's biodiversity is located in developing regions, yet these areas currently capture a small fraction of the value from global trade in biodiversity-derived products. To support equitable growth, consider opting for brands that explicitly document their commitment to sustainable, locally-processed supply chains.
Further reading
For more on the implications of sourcing and agricultural sustainability, visit our section on Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ICSF.
Live Poll
Should biodiversity-rich countries receive a larger share of profits from global trade in natural products?
