Policy reports

Rebalancing the Supply Chain: buyer power, commodities and competition policy (April 2008)

This report considers to what extent competition policy can be used as a tool to tackle the effects of buyer power and corporate concentration on vulnerable commodity producers. The report includes analysis of the problems faced by commodity producers, different approaches to competition policy and examples of good practice and finally recommendations and conclusions.

Download Balancing the Supply Chain as a PDF.

The EU Retail Sector: When is a market not a market? (October 2007)

Briefing for MEPs on supermarkets.

Download The EU Retail Sector as a PDF.

This report looks at the complex supply chain bringing together some of the world’s most powerful companies with some of its most vulnerable farmers. This report considers the UK element of the supply chain, and suggests ways that tea buyers, as well as investors, consumers and the UK government can contribute to more responsible purchasing.

Download A fair cup as a PDF.

A Fresh Perspective: sourcing vegetables from developing countries (June 2007)

This report draws on research in Kenya with exporters, workers and small-holder farmers and suggests recommendations to company buyers, the UK government, consumers and investors.

Download A Fresh Perspective as a PDF.

EPAs: building or shattering African regional integration (May 2007)

Co-authored with African NGOs EcoNews and Seatini, this report examines the effect EPAs might have on integration within regions in Africa.

Download EPAs: building or shattering African regional integration as a PDF.

Partnership Under Pressure: an assessment of the European Commission's conduct in the EPA negotiations (May 2007)

Report revealing the dirty tricks that the EU has used to get poor countries to sign EPAs.

Download Partnership Under Pressure (PDF)

The latest information on EPAs, including an examination of their real costs, and the effect they will have.

Download The Cost of EPAs - short version (PDF)
Download The Cost of EPAs - full version (PDF)

New Deals New Danger EPAs: A threat to workers (January 2007)

Co-written with ACTSA and TUC, this briefing looks at the effect EPAs will have on workers.

Download New Deals New Danger (PDF)

With ACP ministers as keynote speakers, the South Centre hosted this high level conference in October 2006.

Read this report of what was said (PDF)

Buying Matters. Consultation: Sourcing fairly from developing countries (February 2006)

Why are the buying decisions made by companies having an impact on poverty? Includes 'indicators for responsible purchasing'.

Download Buying Matters (PDF)

Co-written by Traidcraft and Kenyan NGO EcoNews Africa. Find out why Economic Partnership Agreements could devastate the African economy. Includes original case studies.

Download Through the lens of Kenya (PDF)

Why free trade won't help Africa (September 2005)

Quick and easy to read colour guide to the impact of free trade on Kenya.

Download Why free trade won't help Africa (PDF)