Sustainability or Green Protectionism? Reclaiming Developmental Policy Space in International Natural-Resource Trade: A Review

This article examines the shift in sustainability from a development principle to a trade governance instrument through standards, certification, traceability, and market access regulations. Using a qualitative literature review method, this study examines literature on sustainability, ecological economics, trade policy, global value chains, and palm oil governance. The main findings indicate that sustainability rules can enhance environmental accountability but also have the potential to become non-tariff barriers when compliance, verification, and documentation costs are more burdensome for developing countries and smallholders. In the case of palm oil, the risk of exclusion arises if global standards do not recognize the capacity and systems of producers. The article emphasizes the need for fair, proportional, participatory sustainability governance based on shared responsibility.