Definition

Noun: 1. Trade that is conducted legally and fairly, without fraud or deception: This is the foundational, general meaning, referring to honest and equitable commercial dealings. 2. A specific trading partnership and movement: A system of trade based on dialogue, transparency, and respect. It seeks greater equity in international trade by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers, especially in developing countries. It often involves criteria such as fair prices, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and community development.

Usage Examples

• Noun (General Meaning):
  • The company's reputation was built on principles of fair trade and integrity with all its partners.
  • The new regulations aim to ensure fair trade between the two nations.
• Noun (Specific Movement):
  • She only buys coffee with a Fair Trade certification to support sustainable farming.
  • Fair trade empowers farmers by guaranteeing them a minimum price for their crops.

Advanced Usage

• "Fair Trade Certified": A label on products indicating they have been independently verified to meet specific fair trade standards.
  • Look for the Fair Trade Certified seal on your chocolate and bananas.
• As a modifier: The term is frequently used adjectivally before nouns like "products," "goods," "coffee," "certification," and "movement."
  • They opened a store specializing in fair trade handicrafts.

Variants and Related Words

• Fair-trade (adjective, often hyphenated when preceding a noun): Pertaining to the fair trade system.
  • They discussed fair-trade agreements.
• Fair trader (noun): A person or company involved in the fair trade movement.
• Free trade (noun): A related but distinct concept referring to international trade left to its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions. This contrasts with "fair trade," which actively sets ethical conditions.

Synonyms

• Equitable trade
• Ethical trade
• Just commerce

Antonyms

• Unfair trade
• Exploitative trade
• Unethical commerce

Related Phrases

• Trade justice: A broader campaign closely aligned with the goals of the fair trade movement, focusing on changing the rules of international trade to benefit poor countries.
• Direct trade: A related model where buyers purchase directly from producers, often with a focus on quality and transparency, which may overlap with fair trade principles but is not a certified system.

Noun

1. trade that is conducted legally
2. trade that satisfies certain criteria on the supply chain of the goods involved, usually including fair payment for producers; often with other social and environmental considerations