alternative trade movements

Alternative trade movements refer to various ways goods and services are exchanged outside the traditional, mainstream international trade system. These include fair trade, which emphasizes ethical practices and fair prices for producers; barter, where goods or services are exchanged directly without money; and local or regional trade, focusing on within-community or nearby markets to support local economies. Such movements aim to promote sustainability, equitable development, and resilience by encouraging different approaches that often prioritize social, environmental, or community benefits over profit maximization.