What’s the difference between fair trade and ethical trade?
Ethical trade is about achieving a basic minimum standard of ethical behaviour in trading relationships. Fair trade organisations, whilst supporting many of the principles behind ethical trade, go beyond this and aim to encourage the development of disadvantaged people in the poorer parts of the world.
Ethical trade aims to ensure that internationally recognised labour standards, such as fundamental human rights, are observed at all stages in the production of goods for the UK high street.
Whereas ethical trade tends to focus on minimising the harm caused by trade, fair trade seeks to make a positive contribution to the development of poor communities.
