The value of global trade in agri-food products has almost tripled since the establishment of the World Trade Organization, with some regions emerging as net exporters and others deepening their dependence on food imports. Given the centrality of imports to food security and the role of exports in generating income, trade remains a critical element of development strategies in many countries, particularly in North Africa and the Near East.

Looking ahead, global agricultural trade is expected to continue to expand, as countries become more integrated into international markets. However, the design and appropriateness of trade and related policies will vary depending on the level of agricultural development in each country. Moreover, the policy space available to Governments is shaped by international legal and institutional frameworks, particularly those established within the framework of the World Trade Organization. In this context, striking a balance between advancing national policy objectives and compliance with trade commitments is essential to mitigate potential negative impacts on trading partners.

Another distinctive feature of the current trade landscape is the proliferation of regional trade agreements, which have increased not only in number but also in complexity. Regional trade agreements often go beyond multilateral agreements in establishing deeper trade and economic integration. Understanding how agriculture is approached within the framework of regional trade agreements is therefore critical for informed policy engagement and strategic negotiation.