What To Know About The Fair Trade Market

By Lila Barry


Fair trade is used to describe the fair trade market or the strategy that strives for sustainability and fair exchanges for manufacturers operating out of developing nations of our world. This is considered a social movement. The industry encourages increased prices for exporters and instills a new set of social and environmental guidelines for operation.

There is not one universal definition applied for this word. Still, a common explanation for the practice is a type of partnership where equity is striven for in international exchanges. This market is centered on respect, transparency and dialogue. Sustainability is a major component of this industry, as a top priority in this business is to improve the trade benefits of manufacturers, workers and countries, particularly those in the South.

The industry mostly involves exports between developing countries and countries that are already developed. Some of the notable items that are exchanged in this market: tea, cotton, chocolate, cocoa, honey, bananas, flowers and wine. The first efforts to commercialize goods under this concept took place during the mid twentieth century in the Northern markets. It was started by non-government and religious groups that had political involvement.

The two primary ways products are marketed and traded in this field: MEDC supply chain, product certification. The former applies to products that have been imported or distributed directly through approved trade groups. The latter involves products that have been screened and verified to be in compliance with industry guidelines.

The majority of organizations with involvement in the industry have active members of, or have been certified by federations. These international and national federations are in charge of coordinating, promoting and facilitating work of organizations in this market. Network of European Worldshops or NEWS, Fairtrade International or FLO, The World Fair Trade Organization and EFTA are some of the largest and most well-known federations in this field.

There is some criticisms that are directed at this market and its practices. One of the main issues is related to ethics, as the money that is collected does not typically make it to the original producers. Instead, it is shared among co-operative businesses and employees.

Likewise, most of the consumers who make purchases of these specific products that are more expensive do so because they think that the money they use to buy the item is going to the poor producers in other countries. Other common concerns and criticisms presented: where the revenue is going, political motivations and agendas, no set standards and corruption. There are many people who support this movement and believe that the concept and the products are good.

The fair trade market is a new approach or movement that is focused on improving the transactions made by manufacturers in developing countries. It involves developing equity in deals, as well as furthering the sustainability efforts. Products that are distributed through these markets or organizations must adhere to all of the established regulations. There are both supporters and opponents of this setup.




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