News from the Institute for International Trade

Increasing Unevenness in Trade-Related Sustainability Policy: The ASEAN Perspective

POLICY BRIEF No. 29 – Professor Göran Roos is Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, University of Adelaide.
ASEAN countries are facing mounting pressure to align trade policy with emerging sustainability norms. While the global shift toward greener trade is accelerating—driven by the European Union’s Green Deal, the rise of carbon pricing, and private sector ESG demands—ASEAN’s policy response has been uneven. The disparity threatens to undermine regional competitiveness and fragment ASEAN’s vision of a cohesive market. The author argues that ASEAN must accelerate harmonisation efforts, strengthen regulatory capacity, and build flexible partnerships that allow member states to converge towards higher standards without sacrificing development goals. A coordinated response is critical to secure market access, attract investment, and position ASEAN as a credible player in sustainable trade.

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