Cancun, Mexico///September 10, 2003/// The Fair Trade industry in North
America and the Pacific Rim grew an impressive 37% over the past year,
according to the 2003 Report on Fair Trade Trends, sponsored by the Fair
Trade Federation and the International Federation for Alternative Trade, and
published by Co-op America. Total Fair Trade sales in the US, Canada, and
Pacific Rim reached US$250.6 million.
Highlighting substantial growth in domestic import, sales, and employment,
the report is good news for citizen groups concerned about worker
mistreatment and corporate-led growth. The report's findings indicate
growing consumer demand for goods that are traded through direct
partnerships between economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers, and
marketers in developed markets in the North.
"This report demonstrates that Fair Trade businesses - companies that
empower economically disadvantaged farmers and artisans, and respect the
environment - are growing and thriving. This is in sharp contrast to
flagging sales of conventional businesses that operate in a dominant global
trade model that forces wages downward, degrades the environment, disrupts
communities and destroys cultural values," said Chris O'Brien, Associate
Director of the Fair Trade Federation, and Managing Director of the Co-op
America Business Network.
"Fair Trade is clearly poised for continued growth in handcrafts and
commodities. It also has a clear impact on growing consumer awareness of
global trade issues," according to Katherine Anderson, Information
Coordinator, International Federation for Alternative Trade.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE 2003 REPORT ON FAIR TRADE TRENDS:
Total Fair Trade sales in the US, Canada, and Pacific Rim increased 37%
during 2002, from $183 million to $251 million. North America accounted for
$180 million, up 44% from 2001, while the Pacific Rim topped $70 million, a
growth rate of 23%.
Certified Fair Trade coffee demonstrated the greatest growth of any single
Fair Trade product, with sales increasing by 54%, from 6.8m lbs. in 2001, to
10.6m lbs in 2002.
At the beginning of 2003, there were over 3,200 people employed by Fair
Trade organizations in the US, Canada and the Pacific Rim.
Coffee, crafts, clothing, housewares, and a wide variety of other products
made by workers in developing countries compose the range of Fair Trade
products and companies, which are screened to ensure fair wages, cooperative
workplaces, consumer education, environmental sustainability, financial and
technical support, respect for cultural identity and public accountability.
By adhering to social criteria and environmental principles, Fair Trade
organizations foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production
and trade that benefits people and their communities.
For a full copy of the Report, visit www.fairtradefederation.org.
