Abstract

This study critically examines the dynamic interplay between international trade law and environmental regulation, with a focus on landmark agreements such as the USMCA and CAFTA-DR, which embed enforceable environmental provisions. The World Trade Organization (WTO), through instruments like GATT Article XX and the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), continues to integrate environmental concerns into the global trade agenda. The 2022 Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, aimed at curbing harmful subsidies, and the 2024 Thirteenth Ministerial Conference, which reaffirmed commitments to sustainable development and gender equality despite failing to reach a new consensus, highlight the ongoing challenges. Additionally, UNCTAD’s contributions emphasize the critical need for aligning trade with sustainable development goals, particularly in developing nations. Concerns raised by UNEP about the insufficient integration of environmental provisions in trade agreements further underscore the urgency for stronger global action. Reports from the U.S. Trade Representative emphasize the continued efforts to harmonize trade policies with environmental objectives. This research explores the growing impact of international trade on environmental governance, focusing on key challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. By analyzing WTO reports, CTE outcomes, and UNCTAD’s findings, the paper advocates for comprehensive reforms in trade law to ensure a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The study concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable trade practices that address global environmental challenges while fostering economic resilience.

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