ADB-WTO Trade in Critical Minerals Database

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Trade Organization (WTO) have developed a Trade in Critical Minerals (TiCM) database to enhance transparency for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient critical minerals trade and supply chains for the clean energy transition. This database provides a one-stop shop for up-to-date, publicly available critical minerals trade data and related policies, and maps trade networks and supply chains. It thereby can foster collaboration and support well-informed decision-making by policymakers and other stakeholders.

The TiCM database offers several unique features: It combines trade flows, trade policy, and tariff data in one integrated platform, linking product, country, and available yearly information.

The database structure encompasses three main components: trade data on critical minerals and elements of their value chain; trade policies; and visualisations. More information on each of these is available in the methodology section.

The database serves multiple stakeholder groups: It informs policymakers working on trade, environment, mining, assists stakeholders in making informed investment and trade decisions, provides reliable data for NGOs and researchers, and contributes to international efforts for transparency in critical minerals trade and value chains.

This collaborative initiative highlights the growing importance of critical minerals in the clean energy transition. Through this platform, ADB and WTO aim to enhance transparency, support policymakers in making evidence-based decisions, and facilitate the development of sustainable critical mineral supply chains.

Disclaimer

The TiCM database is a factual transparency effort by the WTO Secretariat and the ADB. It is without prejudice to the positions or opinions of WTO Members, as well as their rights and obligations under WTO Agreements. It has no legal implication with respect to the conformity of any policy measure with any WTO Agreement or any provision thereof.