Open Markets

Trade Committee

Business at OECD’s Trade Committee acts as the private sector focal point for OECD work on trade policy. Based on members’ on–the–ground expertise, Business at OECD highlights specific problems, barriers, and protectionist measures, conveys consensus positions and priorities for trade policy formulation, and provides business thought leadership on emerging supply chain trends, underlining the benefits of open markets. Business at OECD’s Trade Committee meets bi–annually in Paris, convenes additional thematic ad-hoc sessions, and organises events in partnership with the OECD.

Committee Overview

Discover the functions of Business at OECD's Trade Committee.

Why the OECD’s Work on Trade Matters

OECD work on trade shapes international policymaking by raising awareness about barriers to fair international competition – be it through research on resilient supply chains, the flow of services, or digital trade. Building on its evidence-based analysis, the OECD provides Trade Ministers and senior officials with actionable policy recommendations, thereby influencing the world’s most important economies. As a community of “like-minded” market-based democracies, the OECD closely engages with other international fora - including the WTO, G7 and G20, UNCTAD and APEC.

Our 2025 Priorities

Fostering a predictable, open, rules-based trading system, and WTO Reform

Addressing the robustness, risks and resilience of international trade

Enabling digital trade and cross-border data flows

Advancing the agenda on trade and the environment

Underlining the benefits of trade and making trade work for all

Our Engagement with the OECD’s Bodies

OECD’s Trade Committee

OECD’s Global Forum on Trade

OECD’s Working Party of the Trade Committee

OECD’s Joint Working Party on Trade and the Environment

Publications

8 April 2025

Statement on Reciprocal Tariffs

This statement underlines that unilateral tariff actions are not the right solution for levelling the playing field in global trade.

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27 November 2023

Trading Better, Living Better

Priorities for the OECD Trade Agenda

This priorities paper identifies five strategic business priorities and provides recommendations for the future OECD trade agenda.

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3 October 2023

Making the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium Permanent

This statement urges governments to secure a permanent moratorium on the application of customs duties on electronic transmissions under WTO rules.

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31 October 2021

Building Back Better Trade

Priorities for OECD work on trade in the post-COVID scenario

This priorities paper provides a considered assessment of key business issues under four headings for future OECD work on trade policy.

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building resilience for global supply chains

3 November 2020

Building Resilience for Global Supply Chains

Ensuring that trade and investment can contribute to a robust, inclusive and sustainable recovery

This policy paper explores how to strengthen global supply chains through international cooperation, diversification, transparency, and digital tools.

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9 June 2020

Compilation of Covid-19 Supply Chain Case Studies

This compilation of case studies on supply chain disruptions during the initial Covid-19 outbreak offers lessons learned and policy implications.

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5 June 2020

Covid-19 International Travel Restrictions on Services-Trade Costs

These comments to the Working Party of the OECD Trade Committee address international travel restrictions in the context of the early Covid-19 pandemic.

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1 February 2020

Trade and Circular Economy

This policy paper explores the intersection of trade and circular economy. It promotes trade policies that support resource efficiency and sustainability.

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