UNCTAD: Hidden Trade Barriers, Not Tariffs, Are Driving Export Costs Higher
Photo: Shutterstock/Strikernia
UNCTAD: Hidden Trade Barriers, Not Tariffs, Are Driving Export Costs Higher
Mike Schuler
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May 7, 2026
UN Trade and Development is warning that the biggest barriers to global trade are increasingly found not in tariffs, but in the technical, regulatory and certification requirements exporters must navigate to reach foreign markets.
In its
May Global Trade Update
, UNCTAD said non-tariff measures — including technical rules, health and safety standards, and certification procedures — now exceed tariff costs in 88% of cases, making them the dominant driver of export costs for most countries.
The burden is falling hardest on developing and least developed economies, which face the double hit of rising tariffs and higher compliance costs. UNCTAD said least developed countries lose around 10% of their exports to G20 markets because they cannot meet these requirements.
The report does not argue for eliminating such rules, which often support health
Ukraine Strikes Two Russian Refineries, Baltic Sea Port
A satellite near-infrared image shows smoke rising from oil storage tanks at Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, which was struck multiple times in Ukrainian attacks, in Ust-Luga, Russia March 29, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS
Ukraine Strikes Two Russian Refineries, Baltic Sea Port
Reuters
Total Views: 0
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