International trade in green goods is growing faster than global trade overall and can promote both decarbonisation and prosperity. Climate change mitigation goods now account for 7.4% of the value of global merchandise trade. Products for clean mobility are the fastest-growing segment. Germany is the second-largest exporter after China and the second-largest importer after the United States. Germany is therefore well positioned to participate in the further expansion of climate change mitigation technologies, although it faces intense competition from other main exporters. In addition, risks arising from concentrated imports must be taken into account. A targeted approach involving trade, climate, industrial and financial policies, combined with reliable, rules-based international framework conditions, can help harness the opportunities of global trade for the climate and the economy.

These are selected findings from a joint study by Deloitte and KfW Research, which will be presented today at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya.

The power of global trade: Market dynamics and economic opportunities in climate change mitigation goods(PDF, 11 MB, accessible)

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Further publications on the topic of climate neutrality

Further publications on the topic of global economy