Climate change presents both challenges to and opportunities for trade. Climate change and international climate mitigation policy will alter global and regional trade patterns by affecting the level and composition of both demand and supply for traded goods and services.

This International Trade Working Paper provides a concise review of international policy literature on climate change and trade. It presents four country case study illustrations on climate–trade challenges and opportunities in least developed, low- and middle-income countries, including two island developing states, in relation to food commodities, tourism and access to climate financing.

The paper concludes that diversification can and should reduce the impact of climate and weather shocks on economies, particularly for natural resource-dependent sectors.