Aiming to support the clean energy transition, a database on trade in critical minerals has been launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Available HERE, the Trade in Critical Minerals (TiCM) database provides information on trade flows, allows visualisations of trade networks and specialisation patterns and compiles data on tariffs and other trade policies for 250 critical minerals and related products across value chains.
The database includes bilateral trade and tariff data at the HS (Harmonized System) sub‑heading level, which are sourced from WTO Analytical Databases. Data can be visualised as bar charts, tree maps and network graphs.
Given the need to move to renewable energy sources, the database recognises that the demand for minerals including lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements (used in batteries, wind turbines and electric vehicles) will continue to increase.
By highlighting where these minerals are sourced, it helps identify opportunities for reducing the environmental footprint of mining and processing, promoting more sustainable practices.
Information is included for 250 critical mineral-related products based on the HS 2022 classification at the subheading level (six digit). The tariff section provides reporters' most favoured nation (MFN) applied tariff rates as well as their preferential tariff rates for partners where applicable.
