Trade

Trade can be an engine for poverty reduction, but only if the rules work to benefit poor people and developing countries. Oxfam is working to influence agreements on trade and investment rules so that they take into account the asymmetries in development that exist between rich and poor countries. In this way, trade could provide better opportunities for poor people to make a decent living, gain access to affordable health care, and enjoy basic human rights.

Oxfam is advocating for a new trade policy that spreads the benefits of trade in developing countries by placing development at its core.

Support effective, efficient aid programs – they save lives.
Right now, forty percent of the world’s population – more than 2.5 billion people – live in poverty, struggling to survive on less than $2 per day. The persistence of global poverty poses a challenge to the security, prosperity and values of the United States. Cuts to the world's most vulnerable communities have real impacts. Tell Congress we won't stand by while they make cuts that will cost lives.
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Impact of the US-Colombia FTA on the small farm economy in Colombia
Empty promises
What happened to 'development' in the WTO's Doha Round?
Ending the R&D Crisis in Public Health
Square pegs in round holes
How the Farm Bill squanders chances for a pro-development trade deal
Investing for Life
Meeting poor people's needs for access to medicines through responsible business practices
Shut Out
How US farm programs fail minority farmers
Impacts of Reductions in US Cotton Subsidies on West African Cotton Producers
All Costs, No Benefits
How TRIPS-plus intellectual property rules in the US-Jordan FTA affect access to medicines
Signing Away the Future
How trade and investment agreements between rich and poor countries undermine development
Pricing Farmers Out of Cotton
The cost of World Bank reforms in Mali
More research
Fund-raising for Oxfam: Frequently asked questions
Your community-led efforts can provide essential support as Oxfam fights poverty and responds to disasters.
Menu of event ideas
Want to raise awareness about poverty and hunger? Find ideas for events you can host at your school, on campus, in your community, or or in the workplace.
Oxfam America organizing guide
From reaching out to your legislator to making your voice heard in the media, follow these tips to take action on the issues that move you.
Oxfam America House Party guide
Tools for hosting a high-impact event
Take Action: Global Food Crisis
Already 854 million people on our planet suffer from hunger. Now, as food prices climb high and fast, conditions are becoming worse and threatening the well-being of millions more people.
More tools for activists
In the grip of drought
Ethiopians find ways to fight back
Thank you from Oxfam and Ethiopian coffee farmers
Starbucks and Ethiopia finalized a trademark agreement, ending their dispute and bringing both sides together in partnership to help Ethiopian farmers.
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Top 10 things you need to know about Oxfam

Top 10 things you need to know about Oxfam

Here are the most important facts about Oxfam America: what we do, how we do it, and how you can get involved in our mission.

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"Africa's future is up to Africans"

"Africa's future is up to Africans"

President Obama's first speech in sub-Saharan Africa hits important points on good governance, responsible use of natural resources, trade, and defeating poverty.

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Looking to Sacha Inchi for their future

Looking to Sacha Inchi for their future

How indigenous farmers are growing an ancient plant that promises to bring new opportunities—and money—to the central Amazonian jungle.

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WTO Development Round fails, but Make Trade Fair campaign continues

WTO Development Round fails, but Make Trade Fair campaign continues

Rich countries fall short of promise, but must now contend with worldwide community demanding fairer trade.

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Coffee growers earn a better price, protect the environment

Coffee growers earn a better price, protect the environment

Oxfam America invests in eco-friendly coffee processing, and helps farmers grow a world-class crop.

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Tadesse Meskela helps connect consumers and Ethiopian coffee growers

Tadesse Meskela helps connect consumers and Ethiopian coffee growers

Market factors cut coffee farmers out of their fair share of profit for a commodity that's worth an estimated $80 billion a year in retail sales.

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Starbucks campaign: Anatomy of a win

Starbucks campaign: Anatomy of a win

How Oxfam and Ethiopian farmers coaxed a groundbreaking agreement out of Starbucks.

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Celebrate Fair Trade in your community

Celebrate Fair Trade in your community

Check out these resources for bringing Fair Trade products and crafts to your community.

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"Black Gold" illustrates coffee farmers' plight

"Black Gold" illustrates coffee farmers' plight

Documentary film tells the story through Oxfam's Ethiopian partner.

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An Ethiopian coffee advocate speaks

An Ethiopian coffee advocate speaks

Keynote Address from the United Students for Fair Trade Convergence 2006 in Denver, Colorado

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A new resource for students and teachers on coffee, communities, and conservation

A new resource for students and teachers on coffee, communities, and conservation

Oxfam America collaborated with the Community Agroecology Network (CAN) to publish the "Field Study Handbook: Guide to Internships in Coffee-Producing Communities."

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Small scale coffee farmers make headway in new international coffee charter

Small scale coffee farmers make headway in new international coffee charter

After long period of negotiations, a successful conclusion.

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Cotton farmers get organized

Cotton farmers get organized

Small farmers in Mozambique mobilize for greater control of the cotton production chain.

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Ethiopians, North American roasters move forward with trademark initiative

Ethiopians, North American roasters move forward with trademark initiative

In second meeting in three months, two sides discuss how to implement Ethiopia's control of its coffee brands.

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Fixing up the land, little by little

Fixing up the land, little by little

Farmer Lucas Izapo says it could take three or four more years to recover his land. Part III of III

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Coffee cooperatives still rebuilding after Stan

Coffee cooperatives still rebuilding after Stan

How Guatamalan coffee cooperatives are recovering from heavy rains. Part I of III

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"We emerged from the crisis, and then came Stan"

"We emerged from the crisis, and then came Stan"

Just as coffee growers started to emerge from the coffee-price crisis, rains from hurricane Stan hit. Part two of a three-part series.

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Ethiopian farmers meet with importers and roasters

Ethiopian farmers meet with importers and roasters

In Addis Ababa, both sides discuss how Ethiopian farmers can gain more control over their coffee names, and get a bigger share of the profits.

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