The Sustainable Trade Index was created to encourage meaningful discussions amongst policymakers and business executives about the linkages between trade and sustainability. It shows how well prepared Indo-Pacific economies are to achieve sustainable growth through trade.
"Trade is an indispensable ingredient in economic development, but it cannot be sustainably pursued without responsible environmental stewardship and a commitment to fully developing social capital".Merle A. Hinrich - Chairman, Hinrich Foundation
The Hinrich Foundation commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) to develop the STI.
This bi-annual index measures the readiness of 20 Indo-Pacific economies to participate in the international trading system, in a manner that supports long term sustainable development.
It serves as a benchmark for measuring progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
-> View the Sustainable Trade Index 2018 and related country papers
See the 2018 Sustainable Trade Index findings
Why benchmark sustainable trade?
Trade has changed billions of lives for the better, but there's an opportunity to make an even greater impact if trade delivers better environmental protection and social equity.
The concept of sustainability is based on a co-dependent triangle consisting of economic growth, social capital and environmental protection.
The economic cost of environmental degradation, and the social strains caused by unbalanced growth, can hobble economic development just as much as the absence of market drivers starting with trade.
Sustainability is a constant balancing act, and there are no perfect solutions.
The index provides useful data and case studies to guide business behaviors and policy choices, for better trade outcomes.
The index dataset
- Economies can use the workbook to benchmark their performance
- Companies can get data to assess the sustainability of their supply chains and investments
Who is the index for?
The index is a practical tool for:
- Governments and policy makers who are targeting economic growth through international trade and want to acheive more sustainable outcomes
- Corporations who need to assess the social and environmental impacts of their investments and sourcing activities in Indo-Pacific
- Communities who want to find information about ways in which trade impacts them
See the 2016 Sustainable Trade Index findings
© The Hinrich Foundation. See our website Terms and Conditions for our copyright and reprint policy. All statements of fact and the views, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author(s).
Author
Hinrich Foundation
In the news
Highlights of coverage about the Sustainable Trade Index findings
Vietnam Moves Up on the Sustainable Trade Index
Dezan Shira & Associates featured the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018 in its Vietnam Briefing report.
Vietnam ranks ninth in Hinrich Foundation’s Sustainable Trade Index 2018
Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018 highlights Vietnam’s 9th place finish among the 20 economies in Asia.
PH among ‘top performers’ in Asia on sustainable trade
Philippines shows major improvement, becomes ‘most educated population’ among all low income countries on the 2018 Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.
Economies in Asia regressing on trade sustainability
Feature on the top findings from the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018.
Sri Lanka, highest-ranked MIC in Hinrich Foundation’s Sustainable Trade Index
Sri Lanka’s performance on the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018 featured in the Daily Mirror.
Hong Kong takes top spot in 2018 Sustainable Trade Index
Feature on Hong Kong’s first place ranking and other key findings from the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018.
Asian trade bucks the protectionist trend – but struggles with sustainability
Coverage of key themes and top results from the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018.
Here’s what kept Singapore from topping the 2018 sustainable trade index
The findings from the 2018 Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index featured in article discussing Singapore’s ranking on the Index.
Asia has “broadly regressed” on trade sustainability
The 2018 Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index is highlighted in article about trade sustainability in Asian economies.
Sustainable Trade Index 2018: Directing Businesses to Sustainability
The Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index 2018 launches in Hanoi, Vietnam.
S. Korea 2nd Best Performer in Asia in Sustainable Trade
Feature about South Korea’s performance on the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.
Singapore Tops Index of Sustainable Trade in Asia
Feature about Singapore's performance on the 2016 Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index.
Past events
Read our Sustainable Trade Index launch events
See past Indexes
